The Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has vowed a more action-driven approach in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

His comments follow a recent military operation in the Western Region, where a major illegal mining settlement, housing over 10,000 residents, was uncovered and subsequently dismantled by the Ghana Armed Forces.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, 16 April, Dr Omane Boamah assured the public that the government is committed to tackling the menace with renewed urgency.

He noted that the military’s intervention marks the beginning of a no-nonsense strategy to protect Ghana’s natural resources. “We’ll talk less and let action and outcomes guide us,” he wrote.

The Defence Minister also issued a stern warning to those still engaging in illegal mining activities, particularly within protected areas.

“Once again, in the name of God and Ghana, leave the forest reserves and water bodies. Save your lives. Save the environment,” he cautioned, urging perpetrators to reconsider their actions before the law catches up with them.

Dr Boamah emphasised that the Armed Forces now have both the mandate and the political backing to act decisively.

“The Ghana Armed Forces has been empowered. We have the needed political will,” he stated, signalling a firm stance by the government to clamp down on illegal mining operations and safeguard the country’s environment and water resources.