The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced a new government strategy to step up the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The move comes amid growing public concern over the destruction of the country’s natural resources and mounting calls for the declaration of a state of emergency.

President John Dramani Mahama has, however, maintained that such a declaration is unnecessary at this stage, a position that has drawn widespread criticism.

In an interview, Mr Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the new strategy will see a permanent military deployment in all areas under threat from galamsey activities.

“All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence,” he disclosed in an interview with Channel One TV.

He explained that this marks a departure from previous approaches, where security forces conducted short-term operations and withdrew after a crackdown.

“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now they will have a permanent military presence,” he stated.

The minister further noted that this plan would also extend to the protection of the nation’s water bodies.

“All the rivers we have will have a permanent military presence,” he added.