Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has unveiled a new government strategy to intensify the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the destruction of the country’s natural resources and calls from various groups for the declaration of a state of emergency. President John Dramani Mahama has, however, argued that such a declaration is unnecessary at this time, a position that has attracted widespread criticism.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the new approach will ensure a permanent military deployment in all areas threatened by illegal mining.

“All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence,” he disclosed.

He explained that unlike in the past, when security forces would conduct short-term operations before withdrawing, the new strategy will maintain a lasting presence.

“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.

The Minister further indicated that this approach would also cover the nation’s water bodies.

“All the rivers we have will have permanent military presence,” he added.