The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, says the country’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is showing signs of progress due to strong political will from the highest level of government.
He noted that the Ghana Armed Forces has been instrumental in supporting anti-galamsey operations across the country, leading to the recovery of several forest reserves and the protection of critical water bodies.
Dr. Omane Boamah made these remarks at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, while providing updates on government’s interventions to combat illegal mining.
“We are not out of the woods yet! But there is hope because there is the political will at the very top.
“The Ghana Armed Forces has played a significant supporting role in the fight against illegal mining. We have reviewed the fight and worked with stakeholders to reform it. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) is a product of that review exercise,” said the Minister.
He highlighted that the Ghana Navy has also stepped up riverine operations to tackle illegal mining along major waterways, including the River Ankobra and the Black Volta.
The Minister pointed to initiatives such as Operation HALT II and Operation Oasis as examples of the military’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
He said these interventions have helped reduce the pollution of water bodies and restored confidence in enforcement efforts.
“To strengthen security along Ghana’s inland waterways and riverine areas, government launched the Blue Water Guard Training Programme in 2025,” he explained.
The Minister maintained that the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress administration’s goal is to ensure all mining activities leave a “positive green footprint.”
