President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for its pivotal role in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as Galamsey, across the country.

The President noted that tackling illegal small-scale mining remains a critical area of national security intervention.

He gave the commendation during the 2025 West African Soldiers’ Social Activity (WASA) held at the GAF Headquarters, Burma Camp, in Accra.

WASA is an annual social event that allows members of the security forces to take time off their busy schedules to interact and appreciate one another.

President Mahama said the GAF had supported government’s decisive actions in this area, including the training and deployment of River Guards, the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), and the creation of special courts to prosecute offenders.

“These measures underscore our collective determination to protect the environment and ensure that Ghana’s natural resources serve both present and future generations,” he stated.

He acknowledged that these achievements had come at a cost, noting that some personnel had paid the ultimate price, while others sustained life-altering injuries in the line of duty.

The President led participants to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the eight gallant personalities who lost their lives during anti-illegal mining operations, as well as other officers who had fallen in service to the nation.