President John Dramani Mahama announced that soldiers will stay stationed in the nine forest reserves that were previously classified as red zones due to extensive damage from illegal mining. The move follows past incidents where miners returned to the sites after military personnel withdrew and forest guards were fired upon.
During a courtesy call by chiefs from the Western North Region, the president highlighted the need for stronger collaboration with traditional authorities to sustain the fight against illegal mining. He urged chiefs to support government efforts, especially in communities where young people and some traditional leaders have resisted operations by the National Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Illegal Mining (NAIMOS).
Mahama also expressed concern over incidents where soldiers discharged firearms during enforcement operations, resulting in casualties. He called for greater community engagement and cooperation with traditional leaders to prevent further losses while protecting forest reserves and water bodies.
In addition to the military presence, the president noted that Goldbod has begun a programme to reclaim destroyed forest areas and replant them with economic trees, involving bulldozers and collaboration with the Forestry Commission. The Finance Minister has earmarked GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to recruit more Blue Water Guards to patrol water bodies and destroy illegal mining equipment.
While several changfang machines have already been destroyed, illegal mining in tributaries continues to contribute mud and silt to rivers. Mahama stressed that the government’s response must go beyond enforcement to address the economic factors driving young people into illegal mining.
