Former Senior Presidential Aide Dr. Tony Aidoo has outlined a targeted and actionable plan to eliminate illegal mining activities, popularly known as ‘galamsey,’ within a matter of months. Speaking on July 17 on JoyNews, Dr. Aidoo emphasized that deploying just over 1,060 well-coordinated soldiers could effectively dismantle galamsey operations across Ghana’s critical water bodies and forests.
Dr. Aidoo argued that the military’s deployment for internal security operations, such as elections, should be reconsidered in favor of combating more urgent national threats. “The military is well-resourced, and we provide them with all they need—food, clothing, housing. Why then is illegal mining still rampant? The military should refocus on tackling galamsey, which is destroying our country’s environment and economy,” he asserted.
The illegal mining crisis has inflicted severe environmental damage, polluting major rivers like Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, and ravaging farmlands and forest reserves. This ecological degradation has escalated the cost and complexity of water purification for urban centers, significantly impacting the Ghana Water Company Limited’s operations. Current estimates suggest the environmental damage caused by galamsey could cost Ghana as much as 18% of its GDP by the end of 2024.
Dr. Aidoo’s plan involves a precise military strategy, supported by fellow political figures such as NPP founding member Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe. The proposal calls for deploying two battalions—approximately 1,000 soldiers—alongside two platoons of engineers, totaling about 1,060 personnel. The strategy follows a “hit-and-hold” approach where, after clearing a site, 50 soldiers remain stationed to maintain a visible presence for three weeks, effectively deterring miners from returning. This cyclical redeployment introduces unpredictability and sustained pressure on illegal miners.
The Ghana Armed Forces have intermittently engaged in anti-galamsey operations, including initiatives like Operation Vanguard (2017) and Operation Halt (re-launched in 2021 and escalated in April 2025). These campaigns have resulted in the confiscation and destruction of mining equipment primarily in environmentally sensitive areas. Nevertheless, military efforts have met challenges, ranging from limited resources to maintaining momentum over time.
President John Dramani Mahama declared illegal mining a “national emergency” as recently as July 15, 2025, emphasizing the need for urgent action and accountability within anti-galamsey task forces. Civil society organizations, such as the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), continue to press the government to honor their commitments and address this existential threat. Dr. Aidoo warned that failure to act decisively risks undermining public trust and could derail the NDC government’s electoral mandate.
Ultimately, Dr. Aidoo’s proposal underscores the urgent demand for government-led strategic measures that leverage military capabilities to protect Ghana’s natural resources. His recommended deployment strategy offers a pragmatic framework to eradicate galamsey effectively, maintain environmental integrity, and uphold national security priorities.
Source: MyJoyOnline
