Deputy Lands Minister Calls for Global Backing in Fight Against Illegal Mining

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sulemana Yusif, has issued a strong appeal to the international community to partner with Ghana in combating the persistent challenge of illegal mining, which continues to threaten the country’s environment and natural resources.

Speaking at a Commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony held under the auspices of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, Hon. Yusif emphasized that while the government remains committed to tackling illegal mining, the complex and cross-border nature of the activity demands greater global cooperation.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the substantive Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Deputy Minister outlined a comprehensive five-pillar strategy that currently guides Ghana’s efforts to address the issue:

• Reforming the mining licensing regime,
• Strengthening law enforcement and regulatory compliance,
• Reclaiming and rehabilitating degraded lands,
• Providing sustainable alternative livelihoods for mining-affected communities, and
• Enhancing collaboration with both domestic and international partners.

He warned that illegal mining not only endangers Ghana’s water bodies and ecosystems but also poses a major risk to the country’s long-term development goals.

In line with Ghana’s broader environmental efforts, Hon. Yusif highlighted the ambitious Tree for Life campaign, which targets the planting of 30 million trees in 2025. The initiative promotes biodiversity, urban greening, and responsible land use across the country.

Professor Martin Oteng-Ababio, Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board, also underscored the need for concerted global action. He commended members of the diplomatic community for their ongoing support and described the tree planting event as a symbol of shared environmental responsibility.

Representing the Diplomatic Corps, Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Maher Kheir, reiterated the Corps’ commitment to Ghana’s green development agenda and pledged continued partnership in advancing environmental sustainability.

The Tree for Life initiative, launched in March 2025, designates June as Green Month—a time for nationwide engagement involving schools, civil society, the private sector, and international allies. Activities focus on reforestation, ecosystem protection, restoration of polluted water bodies, and creating green jobs for communities impacted by illegal mining.

With Ghana intensifying its resolve to safeguard the environment, officials are hopeful that international stakeholders will respond with meaningful investment and technical support to bolster the nation’s fight against environmental degradation.