Soldiers to remain in nine forest reserves cleared of galamsey - Prez Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama declared that soldiers will continue to patrol nine forest reserves previously cleared of illegal mining activities. These reserves were designated as "red zones" due to their severe degradation and the presence of heavily armed illegal miners. After fully eliminating galamsey operations from these areas, soldiers will maintain a presence to deter any return.

The President emphasized that the soldiers' role is to prevent illegal miners from re-establishing themselves in the protected zones. He made these remarks during a visit to chiefs from the Western North Region, where he advocated for closer cooperation with traditional authorities to bolster the fight against illegal mining. Mahama cited past failures where illegal miners quickly returned to the cleared reserves once soldiers departed and the forest guards took over.

He urged the chiefs to assist the government, especially in areas where young people and some traditional leaders have been resistant to the National Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Illegal Mining (NAIMOS) operations. He acknowledged the concerns about soldiers using firearms during enforcement, which have resulted in fatalities.

Mahama highlighted the ongoing initiative by GoldBod to support the reclamation of destroyed forest areas and the replanting of economic trees. Bulldozers will clear the contaminated land, while the Forestry Commission will oversee the reforestation process. In addition to this, the government allocated GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to recruit more Blue Water Guards to patrol water bodies, with instructions to destroy any changfang machines encountered.

While the efforts have led to the destruction of significant machine infrastructure, Mahama noted that illegal mining in tributaries remains a concern, contributing sediment and silt to the rivers.