The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has declared “Green Mining” as the definitive strategy to curb illegal mining (galamsey), which poses an “existential threat” to Ghana’s sustainable growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah at a training workshop titled “Green Mining: Best Practices for Responsible Reporting”, organised by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Peduase today, Thursday, December 11, 2025, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Maxwell Klu, detailed the comprehensive approach required to safeguard the nation’s resources.
Mr. Klu defined Green Mining not merely as a regulatory requirement but as a sustainable method of mineral extraction designed to minimise environmental damage.
He emphasised that this approach directly counters the severe environmental degradation and broad socio-economic effects caused by Galamsey.
Key components of Green Mining include:
- Minimising Environmental Damage: Through the use of renewable energy, waste reduction, water conservation, and eco-friendly extraction techniques.
- Maximising Efficiency: Implementing resource recovery and maximisation strategies.
- Social Responsibility: Focusing on community engagement and post-closure land rehabilitation.
- Climate Action: Reducing the carbon footprint of mining operations.
The Deputy CEO stressed that Ghana’s legal framework provides the necessary teeth to combat illegal mining and promote sustainable practices.
- Mineral and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703, as amended by Act 995): This law makes mining without a licence an offence, prescribing severe penalties, including long prison terms between 15 to 25 years. It also bans mining in protected areas and enhances enforcement through measures like excavator import controls.
- Environmental Protection Act 2025 (Act 1124): This Act provides extensive coverage for the protection of Ghana’s environment.
- International Commitments: Ghana has ratified key environmental treaties, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and the Vienna Convention, demonstrating a commitment to uphold global environmental stewardship.
Mr. Klu also revealed that the government is actively pursuing legislative changes, noting that an instrument seeking to revoke Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which empowers the President to grant licenses for mining in forest reserves, “was laid in Parliament.”
This repeal is part of a broader strategy, which includes the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skill Development Programme and the operation of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NIMOS).
Mr. Klu highlighted that major global mining companies operating in Ghana are already setting world-class standards for green mining.
He specifically referenced the recent 11th Ghana Mining Industry Awards 2025, organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines:
| Company | Mine Site | Award / Recognition | Key Sustainable Practices |
| Newmont Ghana Gold Limited | AHAFOSAF Mine | Best Green Mine | Strong carbon reduction performance, effective land management, active reclamation, and biodiversity restoration. |
| Anglogold Ashanti | – | Exceptional Performance | Demonstrated commitment to world-class environmental compliance and sustainable technologies. |
| GoldFields Ghana Limited | Tarkwa and Damang | Exceptional Performance | Focus on dry-brim (tailings management) and innovative sustainable mining. |
The ministry is fostering a partnership where these global awardees will mentor small-scale mine operators to deal with the canker of illegal mining.
Finally, Mr. Klu addressed the journalists directly, calling on the “Fourth Estate of the Realm” to elevate their reporting on the sector. He stressed that responsible reporting requires:
- Technical Knowledge: Training on mining activities, processes, and enforcement.
- Accountability and Ethics: Reporting must be ethical, holding all parties accountable, and people-centred.
- Data-Driven and Investigative: Using data to uncover the truth about illegal activities and responsibly reporting reclamation efforts being made by the Ministry and NIMOS.
“Green mining is a shared mission. I invite you all to take away a simple call to action. Adopt a practical reporting checklist, engage regularly with credible data sources, and initiate multi-stakeholder conversations that keep the public informed, educated, and protected.”
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