Ghana’s Defence Minister nominee, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 28, Dr Boamah highlighted the limitations of relying solely on military intervention in addressing the issue.
“The fight against galamsey should not be viewed purely through the lens of soldiers going to fight it,” Dr Boamah stated. He argued that illegal mining is a complex challenge requiring a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying socioeconomic drivers.
“We need to engage the people and inform them of the other livelihood programmes and their benefits,” he added, pointing to alternative livelihood initiatives as a critical component of the solution.
Dr Boamah explained that by providing sustainable opportunities, the number of individuals involved in galamsey could be significantly reduced, thereby easing the burden on law enforcement.
“So the numbers will reduce, and those that will be left won’t overwhelm the police,” he noted. He further suggested that a combination of modern technology and strategic military involvement would strengthen efforts to combat the remaining illegal activities.
He concluded by calling for a coordinated and inclusive approach to the issue, stressing that tackling galamsey as a national problem would yield better outcomes.
“We need to fight galamsey as a comprehensive thing and bring in the military in addition to modern technology to help them deal with it,” Dr Boamah remarked, underscoring his vision for a well-rounded and sustainable solution to Ghana’s illegal mining crisis.
