Ghana is losing ground in its fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey, within its forest reserves. Award-winning journalist Erastus Asare Donkor has warned that significant progress made in 2025 to clear miners from these protected areas is now being reversed.
This resurgence of galamsey is particularly worrying because some areas, previously inaccessible to forest guards, are now being re-occupied. Mr. Asare Donkor highlighted that these areas were once classified as 'red zones' by the Forestry Commission due to armed illegal miners controlling them. The return of these activities threatens Ghana's environmental integrity and economic stability.
The current situation marks a concerning setback for Ghana's broader environmental protection efforts and its economic reliance on natural resources. The nation has long grappled with the devastating effects of galamsey on its forests, water bodies, and agricultural lands. The reversal of gains from 2025 indicates a persistent challenge in enforcing environmental regulations and protecting vital ecosystems.
Mr. Asare Donkor stated, "We made quite significant progress in that area." He attributed the earlier success largely to security interventions, specifically mentioning the Inspector General of Police's (IGP) task force and efforts by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) under Colonel Boah. These coordinated efforts had successfully cleared many forest reserves by early 2026.
The implications of this regression are severe, potentially leading to further degradation of Ghana's natural capital. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the government's response to this renewed threat. The re-emergence of galamsey could impact agricultural output, water quality, and the overall investment climate, especially in sectors dependent on environmental stability.
At the beginning of 2025, several forest reserves were designated as 'red zones' by the Forestry Commission. These zones were controlled by armed illegal miners who had established roadblocks, making them impenetrable even for forest guards. Mr. Asare Donkor recalled that some forest guards were killed or maimed in these areas, including Tano Amiya, Yoyo, and Offin Shelter Belt.
By early 2026, Ghana had achieved zero 'red zones' in its forest reserves, a significant milestone. This progress was a direct result of intensified security operations targeting illegal mining. The IGP's task force played a crucial role in dislodging miners and restoring state control over these protected areas.
However, Mr. Asare Donkor expressed sadness over the current retrogression. He noted that illegal miners are now establishing camps inside forest reserves, citing recent reports from Bekwai. This indicates a systematic return to previously cleared sites, undermining past efforts.
Concerns also extend to miners using metal detectors to access protected areas like the Tano Awia and Tano Nimri forest reserves. These 'dig and wash' operators pose a new challenge to enforcement agencies. Their methods allow them to exploit resources more discreetly within sensitive ecological zones.
Mr. Asare Donkor warned that if decisive action is not taken, all the gains made could be lost. He specifically highlighted the issue of seized excavators being released back to illegal miners, which empowers them to resume operations. This practice directly contributes to the reversal of progress.
The journalist's comments come amidst renewed public concern over galamsey's impact on Ghana's environment. Despite ongoing government and security operations against illegal mining, the problem persists. The economic cost of environmental degradation from galamsey is substantial, affecting long-term development prospects.