Soldiers to remain in nine cleared forest reserves to prevent galamsey – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama announced that soldiers will maintain a presence in nine forest reserves previously cleared of illegal mining activities to deter operators from returning. He stated that the decision followed past instances where miners returned after military personnel left the areas. All nine reserves, previously designated as red zones due to extensive destruction and armed illegal mining, have been cleared, and soldiers have been deployed to protect them.

Mahama made these remarks during a meeting with chiefs from the Western North Region, urging stronger collaboration with traditional authorities to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey. He highlighted the dangers faced by forest guards who faced gunfire from miners and lost their lives, emphasizing the need for community support.

Concerned about soldier discharge of firearms during operations that led to deaths, Mahama stressed the importance of community engagement and cooperation with traditional leaders to prevent further casualties while preserving forest reserves and water bodies. To restore degraded lands, Mahama mentioned that GoldBod, in partnership with the military, was initiating a programme for land reclamation and replanting.

The initiative aims to level degraded areas and restore trees, as part of broader efforts to recover lands damaged by illegal mining. Additionally, the government allocated GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to recruit more Blue Water Guards to patrol water bodies and intensify the fight against illegal mining. These guards will destroy changfang machines used for illegal mining and have already destroyed several, contributing to clearing major river channels.

However, illegal mining in tributaries remains a concern, as it continues to contribute mud and silt to rivers, highlighting the need for ongoing enforcement and monitoring. Mahama emphasized that the government's response should encompass security, environmental restoration, and community collaboration to effectively combat galamsey, addressing both the security and economic factors that drive young people into illegal mining activities.