The government of Ghana is planning to establish permanent military camps along selected rivers to intensify the fight against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Dr Yusif Sulemana, announced the initiative during an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on the sidelines of the Mining in Motion Summit in Accra.
According to Dr Sulemana, the proposed military camps will help sustain anti-galamsey operations, prevent illegal miners from returning to river bodies and protect Ghana’s water resources from further destruction.
He explained that illegal mining activities often resume after security personnel leave affected areas, making a continuous security presence necessary to achieve lasting results.
The deputy minister added that the government had agreed to establish permanent military camps at selected riverside locations, with funding expected to be provided for in the 2027 national budget.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Galamsey
Dr Sulemana dismissed claims that the government had weakened its fight against illegal mining because of the revenue generated from gold production.
He pointed to the seizure of excavators and other mining equipment as evidence that enforcement operations were continuing.
The planned deployment is intended to strengthen efforts to combat illegal mining, protect rivers from pollution and safeguard water sources relied upon by communities across the country.
Galamsey remains a major environmental concern in Ghana because mining activities can contaminate water bodies, destroy forests and threaten public health.
The proposed permanent military camps are expected to support ongoing efforts to improve environmental protection and enforce mining regulations.
Source: newsthemegh.com