Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has announced a strong government resolve to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, by empowering the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) with full authority and political backing to act.
This declaration follows a major military operation in the Western Region, where security forces uncovered and dismantled a hidden illegal mining settlement accommodating over 10,000 residents. The move has sparked renewed public interest in the fight against illegal mining, which has been a pressing national issue due to its devastating impact on forests and water bodies.
In a post shared on Facebook on Wednesday, April 16, Dr Boamah made it clear that the government was shifting away from promises and rhetoric towards direct action. He emphasised that the military now has not only the legal mandate but also the necessary political support to execute its duties without hesitation. “We’ll talk less and let action and outcomes guide us,” he noted, reinforcing the administration’s new approach.
The Minister appealed to those involved in illegal mining, particularly in protected zones, to reconsider their actions and leave the sites. He urged miners to think about the long-term effects of their activities on both the environment and their own well-being. “Once again, in the name of God and Ghana, leave the forest reserves and water bodies. Save your lives. Save the environment,” he cautioned.
Dr Boamah’s comments have been viewed as a clear message that the government is no longer tolerating operations that threaten the country’s natural heritage. With several regions facing environmental degradation and polluted water sources, illegal mining has become more than just a legal concern—it is a challenge to national sustainability.
The Defence Minister assured citizens that this intensified campaign against galamsey will not be a one-off event but a sustained mission. He believes that with the GAF now fully empowered, the country is in a better position to enforce its environmental protection laws and reclaim degraded lands.
This new posture by the government marks a significant turning point in Ghana’s long-standing efforts to eradicate illegal mining. The recent military operations and the Minister’s public statements point to a coordinated strategy that blends security action with strong political will. Observers are keenly watching how this commitment will translate into real change on the ground in the coming months.
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