Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (In front)
The government is rolling out tighter measures to monitor the supply and movement of fuel, heavy equipment, and other logistics used in illegal mining operations as part of a broader strategy to cripple the galamsey economy.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah revealed the new approach during an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor, noting that his ministry is collaborating with key regulatory agencies to track fuel purchases and equipment licensing across mining communities.
“We’ve identified people sending empty drums to fuel stations to buy fuel for illegal mining,” Mr. Buah said. “The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) will now require documentation and valid licenses before authorizing bulk fuel sales. This fuel tracking system will ensure accountability right up to the sponsors.”
The Minister disclosed that similar inter-agency partnerships have been established with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry to monitor the movement and sale of excavators and other heavy machinery often diverted for illegal mining.
“When you go to Tarkwa and other areas, you see equipment being sold openly. We are working with the Trade Ministry to ensure only licensed operators can access and use such machinery,” he said.
Mr. Buah added that the government is also working closely with the Water Resources Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen water protection efforts and prevent further degradation of rivers and forest reserves.
The Minister emphasized that the renewed war on illegal mining must be a whole-of-government effort, with every institution assuming responsibility for its regulatory role.
“If we are genuinely committed to this fight, every agency — from environment to transport and energy — must play its part,” he said. “We are moving beyond talk to real enforcement.”
Mr. Buah said these coordinated interventions complement the ongoing deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squadron (NAIMOS), which is now operating in seven regions, as well as a proposed Tribunal Bill aimed at creating a special court to fast-track galamsey prosecutions.
“We can no longer allow a situation where only four percent of offenders are prosecuted. We want swift and certain justice,” he stressed.
The Minister concluded that the government’s approach is not only about arresting offenders but also cutting off the supply chain that sustains illegal mining activities across the country.
