Last week, the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, led a high-level intersectoral meeting to address the severe pollution of rivers caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

The meeting focused on plans to dredge heavily silted rivers and explore the possibility of restoring water bodies whose natural courses have been altered by the activities of illegal miners.

Dr. Omane Boamah expressed appreciation to key stakeholders, including DIHOC-DENZEL, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, the Water Resources Commission, and the Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces for their valuable contributions during the deliberations.

He emphasized that the collaborative effort marks a significant step toward reversing the environmental degradation affecting the country’s water bodies.

“This intervention, in alignment with a 24-hour economy, will not only restore our rivers but also create jobs through land reclamation, irrigation development, and the promotion of freshwater transport, among others,” he stated.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to protecting natural resources, improving water quality, and creating sustainable employment opportunities across affected communities.