John Mahama stations soldiers in nine forest reserves to stop galamsey

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that military personnel will remain permanently stationed in nine forest reserves that have been successfully cleared of illegal mining activities. This strategic decision aims to ensure that illegal miners, commonly known as galamsey operators, do not return to these areas once enforcement teams depart. The President noted that this policy shift is a direct response to past experiences where miners reappeared almost immediately after the military withdrew from protected zones.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional leaders from the Western North Region, President Mahama emphasized that the military’s presence is necessary to protect both the environment and those tasked with its preservation. He expressed concern over previous incidents where forest guards faced extreme violence, resulting in several fatalities. The President called for deeper collaboration with traditional authorities, urging chiefs to support government efforts and help manage communities that remain resistant to the ban on illegal mining.

To further bolster the protection of natural resources, the government has allocated GH‵400 million in the 2027 budget for the recruitment and deployment of additional Blue Water Guards. This specialized force is tasked with patrolling Ghana's river bodies to eliminate water-based mining operations. This funding is part of a broader commitment to address the socio-economic factors driving the youth into illegal mining while providing the necessary resources for round-the-clock surveillance of vulnerable ecological zones.

Beyond enforcement, the administration is engaging the military in a new initiative to restore degraded lands. By combining permanent surveillance with active land reclamation, the government seeks to reverse the environmental damage caused by years of unregulated extraction. President Mahama highlighted that this dual approach of security and restoration is essential for ensuring that forest reserves and water bodies are preserved for future generations.