The Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, says the true scale of illegal mining devastation in Ghana was far greater than many citizens realised, describing the situation inherited by the current administration as overwhelming.
Speaking to Moro Awudu on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on April 30, he said, “Many Ghanaians did not know the enormity of the problem when we were talking about it.”
He painted a stark picture.
“Imagine close to 10,000 football fields destroyed. You can imagine the scale,” he said, adding that several forest reserves had effectively fallen outside government control.
“Nine forest reserves were no-go areas. Today, we’ve taken them back.”
Mr Kotoko argued that while visible progress has been made, the depth of damage means recovery will require sustained effort and long-term commitment.
“The devastation is so huge that it will take a lot of effort and dedication,” he cautioned.
He pointed to new measures introduced by government, including tracking and registration of excavators, stricter licensing and expanded enforcement operations.
At the same time, he emphasised transparency, urging the public to monitor updates.
“Go on social media and search #GalamseyUpdate. You’ll see everything happening,” he said.
Despite the interventions, Mr Kotoko was candid about remaining gaps.
“Is it enough? No. There is still more room for improvement,” he admitted.
He maintained, however, that the government’s direction remains clear.
“We are fighting the battle and taking it to them.”
