Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced a new government strategy aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
The move comes in response to growing public concern over the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources and renewed calls for the declaration of a state of emergency. President John Dramani Mahama, however, has dismissed such calls, insisting they are unnecessary at this stage — a position that has sparked debate.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Kwakye Ofosu revealed that soldiers will now be stationed permanently in all identified galamsey hotspots.
“All the 44 areas affected by galamsey will see a permanent military presence,” he said.
He explained that unlike previous interventions where security personnel conducted short-term operations before withdrawing, the new strategy ensures a continuous deployment.
“In the past, security forces would flush out those engaged in galamsey and then leave. This time, they will remain on the ground,” he noted.
The Minister further disclosed that the strategy will also extend to the nation’s rivers.
“All our water bodies will have permanent military protection,” he added.
