The Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has announced a major government initiative aimed at dredging rivers heavily silted by illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
The announcement follows an intersectoral meeting with key stakeholders from Ghana’s environmental and water resource sectors.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, April 5, Dr Boamah revealed that the plan also considers restoring rivers whose natural courses have been diverted due to illegal mining.
“This intervention will see us dredging rivers heavily silted by galamsey, with the possibility of restoring the course of rivers whose natural courses have been diverted by illegal miners,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to participating agencies, including DIHOC-DENZEL, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Forestry Commission, Water Resources Commission, and the Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, for their “illuminating deliberations” during the meeting.
According to the Minister, the initiative is in line with the government’s broader vision of a 24-hour economy and offers significant economic benefits in addition to environmental restoration.
“This intervention within a 24-hour economy will also enhance job creation through land reclamation, irrigation, and freshwater transport, among others,” he added.
Dr Boamah also made brief remarks on the welfare of veterans, indicating that continued support for their well-being remains a priority for the Defence Ministry.
While full details were not disclosed, his comments suggest that veterans’ welfare is a key element of the ministry’s ongoing social responsibility efforts.
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