Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed that the government will soon announce all forest reserves and water bodies within the country as national security zones, as part of a concerted initiative to address the challenges posed by illegal mining.
During an appearance on GTV on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Mr. Buah articulated that the initiative is designed to preserve Ghana’s vital natural resources.
The President has reiterated that all water bodies and forest areas would be classified as national security zones, prohibiting access. He said, “We are presently preparing to deploy permanent military forces to these areas.”
The minister said that the creation of a permanent security presence in these regions will deter illicit miners, whose activities continue to threaten water resources and forests throughout the country.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) together with other civil society groups, concerned youth and traditional rulers have called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately end illegal mining in the cointry which has far reaching consequences.
