Mahama deploys permanent military presence in nine forest reserves to crush galamsey resurgence

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a significant escalation in Ghana's fight against illegal mining, declaring that soldiers will maintain permanent stations across nine forest reserves that have been cleared of galamsey operations. The decision represents a shift in strategy, moving away from temporary military deployments that historically failed to prevent illegal miners from returning once troops withdrew.

During a meeting with chiefs from the Western North Region, Mahama outlined the scope of the operation, stating that all nine reserves previously designated as red zones due to severe environmental destruction and the presence of armed illegal miners have now been cleared. The permanent military presence, he emphasised, is intended to serve as a deterrent and ensure that galamsey operators cannot re-establish operations in these critical areas.

Why the permanent deployment matters for Ghana

The decision to maintain soldiers in forest reserves reflects a costly lesson learned from previous campaigns. When military personnel previously withdrew after clearing illegal mining sites, galamsey operators quickly returned, forcing forest guards—often outgunned and understaffed—to resume protection efforts. This cycle has proven deadly: forest guards have been shot and killed by armed illegal miners who fiercely resist enforcement operations.

The ongoing challenge extends beyond enforcement challenges. Illegal mining continues to devastate Ghana's water bodies and forest ecosystems, with operations in tributaries contributing mud and silt that compromise major river channels and threaten water supply for millions. The environmental damage has implications for agriculture, public health and long-term economic sustainability across the country.

Broader strategy: beyond military force

Mahama acknowledged that military enforcement alone cannot solve the galamsey crisis. The government is pursuing a multi-pronged approach that includes environmental restoration, economic intervention and community engagement. The Forestry Commission is partnering with the military through a programme called GoldBod to reclaim and reforest areas devastated by illegal mining, with bulldozers used to level degraded land before replanting begins.

Additionally, the government has allocated GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to recruit Blue Water Guards tasked with patrolling water bodies and destroying changfang machines—the heavy equipment used for illegal mining in rivers. According to Mahama, numerous machines have already been destroyed, helping to clear major river channels.

Addressing root causes and community resistance

The President stressed that addressing the economic circumstances pushing young people into galamsey is essential to long-term success. In some communities, youth and even traditional authorities have resisted NAIMOS operations, highlighting the complex socio-economic drivers behind illegal mining participation.

Mahama called on chiefs and traditional authorities to intensify collaboration with government agencies, noting that community leaders are uniquely positioned to address local factors sustaining the illegal mining trade. He also expressed concern about fatalities occurring during enforcement operations, underscoring the need for stronger community engagement to reduce violence and prevent further deaths.

The announcement signals a commitment to sustained intervention in Ghana's most damaged forest reserves, though success will ultimately depend on whether the government can combine security operations with viable economic alternatives for communities dependent on illegal mining.