Defence Minister Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Ending Galamsey

Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has emphasized the government’s strong commitment to eradicating illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, as part of broader efforts to protect the environment and implement institutional reforms.

Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, Dr. Boamah admitted that while some headway has been made, galamsey remains a significant and ongoing threat to the country’s natural resources and ecological balance.

He announced a revised national strategy that includes enhanced military involvement, updated policy frameworks, and deeper collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the fight against illegal mining.

“The Ghana Armed Forces continue to support the anti-galamsey campaign. We still face challenges, but there is genuine political will at the highest level to confront this issue,” Dr. Boamah stated.

He disclosed that the government had thoroughly evaluated its anti-galamsey efforts, leading to the creation of new institutional frameworks to boost coordination and enforcement.

“Our review of illegal mining operations has led to strategic reforms. One such outcome is the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat,” he said.

Dr. Boamah also commended the Ghana Armed Forces for spearheading recovery missions in forest reserves that had been overrun by illegal miners and were previously inaccessible to forest officials.

“The Armed Forces led successful recovery operations in several forest reserves earlier this year—areas that forest guards couldn’t previously access due to safety risks,” he said.

He further recognized the Ghana Navy’s critical role in addressing illegal mining in water bodies. Naval units, he said, worked in tandem with ground forces during Operation Halt II, particularly targeting activities on the River Ankobra in the Western and Western North Regions.

“The Navy also played a key role alongside land forces in Operation Halt II to tackle illegal mining on the River Ankobra,” Dr. Boamah added.

His remarks come amid growing public calls for the government to step up its efforts in curbing galamsey, especially in communities where water sources and agricultural lands continue to be affected.