The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has disclosed that the Ghana Armed Forces have commenced a series of coordinated anti-galamsey operations across the country in a renewed effort to combat illegal mining activities, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies.

According to the Minister, the operations, described as "surgical," are being carried out simultaneously across the three military commands – Northern, Central, and Southern – targeting key areas known for illegal mining activities.

Under the Northern Command, the operations are focused on Bole and the Black Volta Basin, regions that have seen a surge in galamsey activities in recent months.

In the Central Command, troops have been deployed to the Nkawie and Mankranso Forest Reserves, areas critical to Ghana’s ecological preservation.

The Southern Command is conducting operations in Jerusalem and the Subri Forest Reserve, also noted hotspots for environmentally destructive mining.

Dr. Boamah revealed that the operations have already led to the seizure of several excavators and other equipment used by illegal miners.

Additionally, makeshift shelters and camps set up within the forest reserves have been dismantled as part of efforts to reclaim and protect the country’s natural resources.

“These operations underscore the government’s commitment to halting illegal mining and restoring degraded lands,” the Defence Minister stated.

He emphasized that the Ghana Armed Forces will continue to maintain a strong presence in these areas to deter further encroachments and preserve the environment for future generations.