All 44 areas threatened by galamsey to have permanent military presence– Kwakye Ofosu
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, has revealed a fresh government strategy to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, with the deployment of permanent military forces in key areas.
The move comes amid mounting concerns over the destruction of the nation’s natural resources and increasing calls for a state of emergency.
However, President John Dramani Mahama has argued against such a declaration, maintaining that it is not necessary at this stage, a stance that has sparked widespread debate.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, Mr. Ofosu outlined that the new approach would establish a continuous military presence in the 44 regions most threatened by illegal mining.
“All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence,” he disclosed, adding that unlike previous operations, which involved short-term interventions, this new strategy would ensure long-term security measures.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now they will have permanent military presence,” he said.
Mr. Ofosu further revealed that this plan would extend to protecting the nation’s water bodies as well.
“All the rivers we have will have permanent military presence,” he added.
Comments (0)