Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has outlined a new government strategy aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The move comes amid mounting concerns over the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources and growing demands from various groups for a declaration of a state of emergency.
President John Dramani Mahama, however, has maintained that such a declaration is unnecessary at this point — a stance that has sparked widespread criticism.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Kwakye Ofosu announced that the revised approach would establish a permanent military deployment in all areas threatened by illegal mining.
“All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence,” he disclosed.
He noted that this marks a departure from previous interventions where security forces conducted short-term operations before withdrawing.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now they will have permanent military presence,” he explained.
The Minister added that the initiative would extend beyond mining sites to cover the country’s water bodies.
“All the rivers we have will have permanent military presence,” he said.
Galamsey, continues to ravage Ghana’s natural environment, threatening rivers, forests, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on them.
As the devastation deepens, calls for urgent intervention are reaching the doorstep of President John Dramani Mahama, who is being urged to commit to decisive action.
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has also waded into the national debate, stressing the urgent need for justice and accountability in the fight against environmental destruction.
According to the President of the Association, Mrs Efua Ghartey, galamsey has escalated beyond an economic issue into a human rights crisis, as polluted water bodies and degraded farmlands jeopardise the health and food security of communities.