The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced a bold new strategy by the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.
The announcement comes amid mounting public concern over the destruction of the country’s natural resources, including farmlands, forests, and rivers, as well as growing calls for the declaration of a state of emergency on galamsey.
President John Dramani Mahama, however, has stated that a state of emergency is not necessary at this stage—a position that has attracted mixed reactions and criticism from some quarters.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the new anti-galamsey strategy would ensure permanent military deployment in all 44 areas most affected by illegal mining activities.
“All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey will now have a permanent military presence,” he disclosed.
This approach, he explained, marks a sharp departure from previous crackdowns where security forces only conducted temporary operations before withdrawing, allowing illegal miners to return.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave. But now, there will be a permanent military presence,” he emphasized.
The minister further stressed that the new plan will extend to safeguarding Ghana’s vital water bodies, which have been heavily polluted by illegal mining.
“All the rivers we have will have a permanent military presence,” he added.
The government hopes that this sustained military intervention will serve as a long-term deterrent against galamsey operators and help restore Ghana’s degraded lands and rivers.
