By asiedu

Copyright ahotoronline

The government has announced a significant new strategy to fight illegal mining, known as galamsey, by deploying soldiers permanently to guard 44 high-risk hotspots across the country. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, explained that unlike previous short-term military operations, this initiative will involve a sustained military presence to continuously monitor and enforce laws against illegal mining activities. This move aims to address the severe environmental and economic damage caused by galamsey.
One of the primary concerns motivating this decision is the increasing threat to Ghana’s water bodies. Illegal mining operations often use toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which contaminate rivers, lakes, and other vital water sources relied upon by millions of Ghanaians. The military’s responsibilities will include protecting these crucial water bodies from further pollution, helping to safeguard public health and preserve natural resources for future generations.
Despite the boldness of this plan, experts have expressed caution. Many illegal miners are believed to be armed with unauthorized and sometimes dangerous weapons, creating serious safety risks for the deployed soldiers. Security expert Dr. Emmanuel Sowatey, speaking to Ahotor News, warned that while military involvement is necessary, it should not be the sole measure taken to fight galamsey. A broader, holistic approach is needed that includes the judiciary and criminal justice systems to effectively dismantle illegal mining networks.
Dr. Sowatey also pointed out that gold deposits are widespread across Ghana, meaning that illegal miners might simply relocate once certain hotspots are targeted. He advised that relying too heavily on the military could expose soldiers to corruption risks due to the lucrative nature of illegal gold mining. Instead, he recommended that police officers, rather than the military, lead ongoing enforcement efforts with the support of other governmental institutions to ensure a comprehensive fight against galamsey.
This new strategy reflects the government’s firm commitment to tackling the galamsey menace and protecting the country’s environment and resources. By combining permanent military deployment with multi-agency cooperation, there is hope for a meaningful reduction in illegal mining activities. However, careful attention must be paid to the safety and well-being of all security forces involved and the importance of addressing the issue through coordinated and sustained efforts across all sectors.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku