Ghana is set to adopt a tougher stance against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, with the government unveiling a strategy that involves permanent military deployment in affected areas.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, revealed the new approach during an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16.
“All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence,” Kwakye Ofosu disclosed.
He explained that the strategy marks a departure from previous efforts, where security forces would conduct short-term operations before withdrawing.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now they will have permanent military presence,” he said.
The Minister further emphasized that the initiative would extend beyond land-based mining sites to cover the nation’s water bodies.
“All the rivers we have will have permanent military presence,” he added.
President John Dramani Mahama, however, has argued that declaring a state of emergency is unnecessary at this stage, a stance that has drawn widespread criticism from environmental groups and other stakeholders.
The permanent deployment plan is part of a broader government effort to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and curb the devastating effects of illegal mining on the environment and communities across the country.
