The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Amarh Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to mining sector reforms, with a focus on curbing illegal mining activities.

This assurance was given during a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

According to the Minister, the reforms, which includes the establishment of an 18-member committee and the protection of forest reserves from mining activities, aim to bring sanity to the industry, which has been plagued by illegal mining activities, also known as ‘galamsey’.

It will also include the strengthening of law enforcement agencies to deal with perpetrators.

The Minister acknowledged the environmental and social devastation caused by these activities and emphasised the need for a collective effort to address the issue.

The visit to the Manhyia Palace is part of a broader effort by the government to engage with stakeholders to build consensus on the way forward for the mining sector.

The Asantehene has also promised to help support the government’s quest to curb the galamsey menace.