President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana is making progress in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, with the government intensifying efforts to reclaim forest reserves and protect the country’s natural resources.
Speaking during his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region, President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting forests, water bodies and other environmentally sensitive areas from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
NAIMOS Steps Up Galamsey Operations
According to President Mahama, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified operations in areas affected by illegal mining.
He said security and anti-galamsey teams have seized excavators and changfang mining equipment while driving illegal miners out of several forest reserves.
The President disclosed that nearly 49 forest reserves had been invaded by illegal miners, adding that significant progress had been made in clearing many of the affected areas.
The latest development forms part of the government’s broader galamsey crackdown, aimed at restoring degraded forests and protecting Ghana’s water bodies and ecological resources.
Military Deployment to Prevent Galamsey Resurgence
President Mahama also revealed that the government has revised its strategy for protecting forest reserves after illegal miners are removed.
Previously, cleared forest reserves were handed over to the Forestry Commission for protection. However, the government observed that forest guards alone faced challenges in preventing illegal miners from returning.
As a result, the government has begun deploying military personnel to reclaimed forest reserves to prevent re-invasion.
President Mahama acknowledged that maintaining military detachments in forest areas would increase government expenditure, particularly on feeding personnel and providing logistical support.
However, he stressed that the additional cost would not deter the government from pursuing its anti-galamsey campaign.
Government Intensifies Fight Against Illegal Mining
The President said the government remains determined to ensure that forest reserves cleared of illegal miners remain protected.
The renewed approach is expected to strengthen efforts to combat illegal gold mining in Ghana, restore degraded land and safeguard critical water resources.
The government’s continued deployment of NAIMOS and security personnel highlights its commitment to tackling galamsey, environmental degradation and illegal mining activities across the country.
Source: newsthemegh.com