Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister-designate for the Ministry of Defence, has advocated for a more comprehensive strategy to address illegal mining, or galamsey, in Ghana.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee on January 28, 2025, Dr. Boamah emphasized that relying solely on military action would not provide a lasting solution to the issue.
Illegal mining has caused significant damage to the environment, including polluted rivers and degraded land. To tackle this issue, Dr. Boamah proposed a strategy that focuses on community involvement, offering alternative livelihoods, and leveraging modern technology.
He highlighted that providing better job opportunities could reduce the number of people participating in galamsey, making it easier for law enforcement to handle the problem.
“The fight against galamsey should not rest solely on military efforts. We need to engage the communities, educate them about alternative livelihoods, and incorporate technology alongside the military,” Dr. Boamah said.
This approach shifts away from an over-reliance on military action, emphasizing the need for collaboration with various stakeholders. Dr. Boamah is confident that this comprehensive plan will offer long-term solutions to the illegal mining crisis in Ghana.
