Defence Minister Dr. Omane Boamah Declares Military-Backed Crackdown on Illegal Mining in Ghana
Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has issued a firm and urgent warning to individuals engaged in illegal mining activities, declaring the Ghana Armed Forces fully empowered and prepared to take decisive action to curb the menace of galamsey.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his official Facebook page, Dr. Boamah emphasized that the military’s involvement in the fight against illegal mining will be marked by results rather than empty rhetoric.
“The military will talk less and let action and outcomes guide its operations,” the Minister stated. “We have the needed political will and the Ghana Armed Forces has been empowered to act.”
The Defence Minister made a heartfelt appeal to all illegal miners, especially those operating in forest reserves and along the banks of Ghana’s rivers, to voluntarily cease their activities and vacate these ecologically critical areas.
“Once again, in the name of God and Ghana, I urge illegal miners: leave the forest reserves and water bodies. Save your lives. Save the environment,” he pleaded.
Dr. Boamah’s comments come amid a renewed national effort to clamp down on galamsey, an activity that has caused severe environmental degradation, particularly through the pollution of water bodies, destruction of forests, and loss of biodiversity. The government has faced intense public pressure to address the issue more decisively, and the involvement of the military signals a new level of seriousness.
The Defence Minister’s strong stance represents a shift toward more aggressive enforcement of environmental protection laws, with the Ghana Armed Forces expected to play a frontline role in ensuring that the country’s natural resources are safeguarded for future generations.
This latest development aligns with President Nana Akufo-Addo’s previous declarations to combat illegal mining and preserve Ghana’s natural heritage. It also reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable development and the enforcement of environmental regulations, in line with national and international obligations.
As Ghana ramps up its efforts to combat illegal mining, the coming weeks are expected to see increased military presence in affected areas, as well as intensified operations to drive out illegal miners and restore degraded lands.