Over 30 hectares of the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve in Ghana's Ashanti Region have been devastated by illegal mining activities, severely impacting the Offin River that flows through the reserve.

During an inspection of the forest reserves, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, described the destruction as "heartbreaking."

Addressing the media, the Minister revealed that, in addition to 44 other forest reserves affected by illegal mining, the total area destroyed is equivalent to 7,500 football fields.

He reported the seizure of 15 excavators from illegal miners and the arrest of two Chinese nationals involved in the Offin Shelterbelt's destruction. Additionally, seven Chinese individuals and their eight Ghanaian accomplices were apprehended on the Ankobra River last week and have been remanded in custody.

The Minister emphasized President Mahama's commitment to combating illegal mining, assuring that every effort would be made to address the issue effectively.

He disclosed that the government is restructuring the licensing regime to ensure active roles for community leaders and regulatory authorities, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission, in the licensing process.

A new licensing regime will be presented to Parliament, proposing to revoke the President’s authority to grant mining licenses in forest reserves.

Furthermore, the government is pursuing not only the illegal miners but also their financiers and those hiring the excavators, ensuring that the law takes its course against them.

In response to a call he received requesting the release of some arrested Chinese galamsey operators, the Minister warned that only the President has the authority to make such decisions and advised individuals to refrain from contacting him regarding the matter.

The Minister concluded by announcing that the Offin Shelterbelt will be reclaimed, and trees will be planted through his "Tree for Life" initiative, which will be implemented soon.

The Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve has been plagued by illegal mining since 2010. Studies have shown that within five years, illegal mining degraded approximately 2.5 km² (4.4%) of the reserve, leading to the destruction of cocoa farms and water sources.

The relatively high cost involved in flushing out and the subsequent return of such miners poses a threat to sustainable forest management and requires a more holistic approach to tackling the problem.

In November 2022, the Ghanaian government issued LI 2462, a directive allowing mining in forest reserves, including biodiversity hotspots.

This legislative change has been criticized for exacerbating environmental damage and undermining efforts to combat illegal mining. Environmentalists have called for the revocation of such directives and the implementation of stricter measures to protect Ghana's forest reserves.

The government's renewed commitment to addressing illegal mining and restructuring the licensing regime aims to safeguard the nation's natural resources and promote sustainable environmental practices.