President John Mahama has commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their critical role in supporting government efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, describing the intervention as a key national security priority.

Speaking at the End of Year West Africa Social Activity (WASSA) 2025 held at the Burma Camp in Accra on Friday, January 23, the President said the military’s involvement had been central to protecting Ghana’s environment and natural resources.

“Another critical area of national security intervention has been the fight against illegal small-scale mining,” President Mahama said.

He noted that the Ghana Armed Forces had provided strong backing for the government’s actions, particularly through security support and specialised operations.

“The Ghana Armed Forces have played a pivotal role in supporting the government’s decisive actions in this area,” he stated, citing key measures such as “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 anti-illegal mining suspects.”

According to the President, these interventions demonstrate the country’s long-term commitment to environmental protection.

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

President Mahama, however, acknowledged that the fight against illegal mining has come at a high cost.

“These achievements have not come without sacrifice. Some of our brave men and women have paid the ultimate price, while others bear life-altering injuries sustained in the line of duty.”

In honour of fallen officers, the President called for a minute’s silence in memory of security personnel who lost their lives during anti-illegal mining operations.

“I therefore invite all of us to rise for a minute’s silence in honour of the eight gallant personnel who lost their lives while on duty in connection with the mining operation, as well as others who have fallen in their service to our dear nation, Ghana,” he said.