Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister of Defence, has urged an end to illegal mining (‘galamsey’), emphasizing its detrimental effects on the environment. He called for responsible mining practices and the acquisition of necessary licenses, leaving no room for ambiguity on the government’s stance against illegal operations. His comments reflect ongoing government efforts, including military involvement, to combat this issue.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, has delivered a strong admonition against illegal mining activities, known locally as “galamsey.” He implored individuals to stop these actions, highlighting the severe threat they pose to Ghana’s forest reserves. In a post shared on Facebook, he urged them to merge their sense of patriotism with religious faith, appealing to a sense of responsibility towards the environment and the nation.
In a message dated March 10, 2025, the minister stated, “In the name of God and Ghana, stop galamsey! No human being resides in the forest reserves! A word to the wise is enough!” He suggested that if individuals wish to engage in mining, they should obtain the necessary licenses, signaling that the government may consider taking significant measures against illegal practices.
The issue of galamsey has continued to be a contentious topic in Ghana for many years, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. The Ministry of Defence has taken steps to combat illegal mining by deploying military personnel to high-risk areas, where they have occasionally confiscated and destroyed mining equipment, including excavators.
AROCHA Ghana, an environmental advocacy organization, has expressed demands for strong actions against galamsey. At a recent press conference, they asserted that the destruction of excavators has emerged as an effective method to mitigate the ongoing environmental degradation associated with illegal mining activities.
In conclusion, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah’s urgent call to halt illegal mining activities underlines the critical importance of protecting Ghana’s forest reserves. His emphasis on combining patriotism with religious duty reflects a desire for collective action. The reinforcement of regulatory measures and military involvement signals the government’s commitment to addressing the damaging impacts of galamsey, a longstanding issue in Ghana.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
