
MAHAMA ORDERS SOLDIERS TO REMAIN IN NINE CLEARED FOREST RESERVES AS GOVERNMENT MOVES TO BLOCK RETURN OF GALAMSEY OPERATORS
President John Dramani Mahama says soldiers will remain stationed in all nine forest reserves that were previously classified as red zones after security forces cleared them of illegal miners. The President said earlier anti-galamsey operations failed to produce lasting results because miners returned after soldiers withdrew, while forest guards were sometimes attacked when they attempted to protect the reserves. Government now intends to maintain a military presence while GoldBod, the Forestry Commission and security agencies reclaim degraded land and replant affected areas. Mahama has also announced GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to recruit additional Blue Water Guards to protect rivers and intensify the fight against illegal mining.