Ghana’s Defence Minister has affirmed that the Ghana Armed Forces have been fully equipped and authorized to confront the illegal mining, or galamsey, menace with renewed strength and resolve, Accra Street Journal reports. According to the Minister, the military’s enhanced mandate and logistical support form part of a broader national strategy to protect the country’s water bodies, forests, and farmlands from environmental degradation.
The Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining, declaring that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have been fully empowered to confront the galamsey menace.
He called on communities to collaborate with security forces in identifying and reporting illicit operations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to sustainable resource management and national security.
The Minister’s remarks follow a major military operation in the Western Region, where a concealed illegal mining settlement housing over 10,000 people was uncovered and dismantled.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, 16 April, Dr Boamah made clear that the era of rhetoric is over, stressing that the government’s approach will now be grounded in tangible results.
“We’ll talk less and let action and outcomes guide us,” he stated, underlining a renewed focus on decisive enforcement rather than public commentary.
The Defence Minister also issued a solemn appeal to illegal miners, urging them to withdraw from protected areas.
“Once again, in the name of God and Ghana, leave the forest reserves and water bodies. Save your lives. Save the environment,” he implored, calling attention to the long-term harm illegal mining poses to both human lives and the natural ecosystem.
Dr Boamah further assured the public that the military has been given the authority and political backing required to carry out their mandate effectively.
“The Ghana Armed Forces has been empowered. We have the needed political will,” he declared, signalling the government’s readiness to take all necessary actions to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources.
Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by samboad
