Ghana's Defence Minister-designate, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has called for a more comprehensive strategy in the fight against galamsey, the local term for illegal mining.
This statement was made during his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Dr. Omane Boamah emphasised that tackling galamsey should not be limited to military action alone.
"The fight against galamsey should not be viewed purely through the lens of soldiers going to fight it," he declared, highlighting that illegal mining is a complex socio-economic issue that requires a broader, multifaceted strategy.
He advocated for community engagement and education about alternative livelihood programs.
"We need to engage the people and inform them about other livelihood programs and their benefits," Dr. Omane Boamah stated, suggesting that providing viable economic alternatives could significantly reduce the appeal of illegal mining.
By decreasing the number of individuals involved in galamsey, he argued, the burden on law enforcement would be reduced.
"If the numbers go down, the remaining cases won’t overwhelm the police," he explained.
Dr. Omane Boamah also recommended integrating modern technology with selective military involvement to effectively combat the remaining illegal mining activities.
He further called for a holistic and inclusive strategy, stressing that galamsey should be treated as a national issue requiring a coordinated effort.
"We need to address galamsey comprehensively, involving the military alongside modern technology to deal with it effectively," he concluded.
GA/MA