Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as part of broader reforms to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, Dr. Boamah acknowledged ongoing efforts but noted that illegal mining remains a significant threat to the country’s ecosystems.
“We are not out of the woods yet as a nation, but there is hope because there is political will at the very top,” Dr. Boamah stated. “The Ghana Armed Forces has played a critical supporting role in addressing the galamsey menace.”
He announced that the government had completed a comprehensive review of its anti-galamsey strategy, leading to new institutional arrangements designed to enhance coordination and enforcement. Among the outcomes of this review is the creation of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, tasked with overseeing and streamlining the response to illegal mining activities.
Highlighting the role of the security services, Dr. Boamah praised the Ghana Armed Forces for reclaiming several forest reserves that had previously become no-go zones due to the presence of illegal miners.
“Our forest guards couldn’t enter some of these areas, but the Ghana Armed Forces led successful recovery operations earlier this year,” he said.
He also commended the Ghana Navy for its collaboration with ground troops during Operation Halt II, a targeted campaign to curb illegal mining activities along the River Ankobra in the Western and Western North Regions.
“The navy played a key role in supporting land forces during these operations, especially in protecting water bodies from mining pollution,” Dr. Boamah added.
The Defence Minister’s remarks come amid growing public demand for decisive action to combat galamsey, particularly in communities where water sources and farmlands continue to suffer from environmental degradation.
He reiterated that the government’s renewed strategy involves not only military action but also policy reforms and increased stakeholder collaboration to ensure sustainable results.
“The fight is ongoing, but with improved coordination and commitment across all levels, we believe lasting change is achievable,” Dr. Boamah concluded.
