The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has shared a new government plan aimed at tackling illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. As part of the strategy, the military will be permanently stationed in areas hardest hit by the activity.
Speaking in an interview on Citi TV, the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese MP said the initiative will be rolled out across all 44 identified galamsey hotspots nationwide.
“In the past, security forces would carry out raids and then pull out — which only gave illegal miners the chance to come back,” said Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. “This time, the military will stay put. There will be a permanent presence on the ground.”
He added that the new approach isn’t just about driving out illegal miners, but also about protecting Ghana’s vital water sources. “All our major rivers will now have a permanent military presence to prevent further pollution and degradation,” he emphasized.
This new strategy comes at a time when public frustration is mounting over the environmental toll of galamsey (illegal mining), especially the contamination of rivers and the destruction of forest reserves. The government’s tougher stance also follows criticism of President John Dramani Mahama for choosing not to declare a state of emergency in response to the crisis — a move many felt would have signaled stronger political will to end the menace once and for all.
