The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has urged mining-affected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to establish local coordination mechanisms to strengthen the fight against illegal mining.
He said the proposed structures should bring together decentralised departments, regulatory agencies, security services and community representatives to improve coordination and ensure sustained action at the district level.
Speaking at the maiden National Conference of MMDCEs on Illegal Small-Scale Mining in Kumasi on Monday, November 2, 2026, Kofi-Buah said the fight could not be left to his ministry and security agencies alone.
"The fight against illegal mining cannot be won by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources or security agencies alone. It requires our leadership, commitment, courage and sustained engagement," he said.
He described illegal mining as a major national security threat, citing its effects on the environment, public health, food security and water resources.
The minister said operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Police and the Armed Forces must be backed by effective local governance, including the provision of information and engagement with communities.
He also called on MMDCEs to help prospective miners navigate legal procedures so they can operate within the law.
On environmental restoration, Kofi-Buah urged the assemblies to make the reclamation of degraded mining sites a priority, warning about the dangers posed by abandoned mining pits.
"Abandoned pits pose serious risks to children, farmers and livestock. Reclamation must be treated as an essential component of environmental governance," he said.
He said the commitment of local authorities would be measured by their actions rather than public statements.
"Our leadership will be judged not by statements we make, but by the consistency, courage and fairness with which we act," he added.
Kofi-Buah said the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, remained committed to tackling illegal mining and protecting the country's natural resources.
