The Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has criticised the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for its withdrawal of military forces from the ongoing battle against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

In a Facebook post on Friday, April 4, he described the government's decision as a "cardinal sin against humanity," underscoring the negative impact it has had on Ghana’s environment and natural resources.

Dr Omane Boamah’s comments came shortly after a press conference by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, in which the government outlined its stance on the anti-galamsey operations.

The Defence Minister highlighted the devastating consequences of halting military involvement, warning that it would embolden illegal miners and accelerate environmental degradation.

“The good news is, under the directive of President John Dramani Mahama, the soldiers are back to fight galamsey,” he stated, expressing confidence in the renewed efforts.

He also referenced the significant strides made under the Mahama administration in combating illegal mining, particularly the protection of forest reserves.

“We have saved 7 forest reserves so far,” Dr Omane Boamah revealed, stressing that tangible actions were more important than mere promises.

He vowed that the fight would continue with greater vigour, promising that the government was taking additional steps to trace the owners of the equipment being used for galamsey, including using chassis numbers to identify those behind the illegal operations.

He called on all stakeholders to support the efforts to fight illegal mining, pledging that under the leadership of President Mahama, Ghana would continue to take bold action against those threatening its natural resources.