By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has assured the public that the government is determined to tackle illegal mining, also known as galamsey, with renewed focus and political will.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series program on Monday, July 21, 2025, Dr. Omane Boamah emphasized that the fight against galamsey remains a top priority for the government. Despite some progress, he acknowledged that illegal mining continues to threaten the country’s environment and natural resources.
The Defence Minister outlined a new strategy aimed at strengthening the national response to galamsey. He explained that this approach involves military support, updated policies, and closer collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of anti-galamsey efforts.
Dr. Boamah praised the role of the Ghana Armed Forces in supporting the fight, particularly through recovery operations in forest reserves that had previously been unsafe due to the activities of illegal miners. “We are not out of the woods yet, but there is hope because there is political will at the very top,” he stated.
In his address, the Minister also discussed a recent review of the government’s anti-galamsey efforts. He revealed that the review has led to new institutional measures, such as the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, to better coordinate and enforce anti-galamsey actions.
Dr. Boamah further highlighted the contribution of the Ghana Navy in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, especially along water bodies. He noted that the Navy has been actively involved in Operation Halt II, working alongside ground forces to address mining activities along the River Ankobra in the Western and Western North Regions.
The Minister’s remarks come as public pressure mounts for the government to take stronger action against galamsey, particularly in areas where water sources and agricultural lands continue to be polluted.
