The government has announced plans to deploy military and security forces to protect Ghana’s rivers from the destructive impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. The move marks a major escalation in the fight against environmental degradation caused by the activity.
Speaking at the 11th West and Central Africa Mining Summit on Thursday, September 25, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Yusif Sulemana said the new approach would provide stronger and more sustainable enforcement than previous efforts such as the Blue Water Guard, whose interventions were often temporary.
He explained that illegal miners usually return to their sites after being dispersed, undermining the effectiveness of past operations. Deploying the military or designating permanent security zones along river bodies, he said, would ensure continuous protection and prevent miners from regrouping.
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Concerns Over Effectiveness
Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, however, has questioned the impact of the plan. In an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he noted that declaring rivers and forest reserves as security zones is not new, recalling that similar measures were introduced under his tenure.
“We even went as far as burning excavators found 200 meters from riverbanks and forest reserves. So the question is, what new implications or enforcement measures will this declaration bring?” he asked.
Mr. Jinapor argued that what Ghanaians truly expect is for President John Mahama to fulfil the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) campaign pledge to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining, describing it as the “most effective tool” for tackling the menace.
He further cautioned against politicising the galamsey fight, urging both the NDC and NPP to work together to protect the nation’s forests and water bodies from further destruction.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem