The Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has announced a major government initiative to dredge rivers heavily silted by illegal mining activities, commonly known as *galamsey*.

The announcement follows an intersectoral meeting involving key stakeholders in Ghana’s environmental and water resource sectors.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, April 5, Dr Boamah said the plan includes the possibility of restoring rivers whose natural courses have been diverted due to galamsey operations.

“This intervention will see us dredging rivers heavily silted by galamsey, with the possibility of restoring the course of rivers whose natural courses have been diverted by illegal miners,” Dr Boamah noted.

He expressed his appreciation to agencies such as DIHOC-DENZEL, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Forestry Commission, Water Resources Commission, and the Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces for their “illuminating deliberations” during the meeting.

According to the Minister, the intervention is also aligned with the broader vision of a 24-hour economy, offering additional economic benefits beyond environmental restoration.

He explained that the initiative would boost employment through land reclamation, irrigation projects, and the revival of freshwater transportation systems.

“This intervention within a 24-hour economy will also enhance job creation through land reclamation, irrigation, and freshwater transport, among others,” he added.

Dr Boamah also touched briefly on the welfare of veterans, hinting at continued efforts to support their well-being as part of the Defence Ministry’s priorities.

While details were not immediately disclosed, his reference suggests that support for veterans remains a key component of the ministry’s social responsibility agenda.