The Minister of Defence, Dr Omane Boamah has issued a stern warning to illegal miners, cautioning them to stay out of Ghana’s forest reserves as the government intensifies its fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

In a strongly worded statement on his Facebook page, Dr Boamah made it clear that illegal mining activities in protected forest areas will no longer be tolerated, emphasising the devastating impact of galamsey on the country’s environment and natural resources.

“In the name of God and Ghana, stay away from the forest reserves and galamsey! A word to the wise is enough!” he declared.

His statement follows a recent joint operation by the Forestry Commission and the military, which resulted in the seizure of mining equipment and the arrest of illegal miners in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Western North Region. The operation, which saw nine excavators and one bulldozer confiscated, forms part of the government’s renewed efforts to curb illegal mining and safeguard Ghana’s forests.

Dr Boamah further reiterated that mining activities must be carried out legally, urging those interested in the sector to obtain the necessary regulatory permits.

“If you’re interested in mining, seek the necessary regulatory permits. We’ll not talk much,” he warned.

He also hinted at the deployment of advanced monitoring technology, using the hashtags #EAGLEEYES and #ActivateAllBodyCameras, suggesting increased surveillance and enforcement measures to track and apprehend illegal miners.

Illegal mining remains a major threat to Ghana’s environment, causing deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. Despite multiple government interventions, many miners continue to operate unlawfully, leading to ongoing destruction of Ghana’s forest reserves and river bodies.

With the government’s latest crackdown, it is expected that tougher measures will be implemented to deter offenders, ensuring that Ghana’s natural resources are protected for future generations.