Security Analyst Col. Festus Aboagye has called on the public to exercise patience regarding the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking on ABC in the Morning, he emphasized that while the process may seem slow, tackling galamsey requires a well-coordinated and long-term approach.
“This galamsey has been there throughout the Fourth Republic. So let’s give time to this government to deploy its new strategy,” he stated.
Col. Aboagye suggested that one of the most effective ways to curb illegal mining is the immediate destruction of seized mining equipment on-site.
He argued that this would not only disrupt illegal operations but also serve as a deterrent to those engaged in the practice.
“The first approach should be to stop the use of heavy machinery—the caterpillars, chanfans, and industrial generators,” he stressed, highlighting the role of equipment restrictions in combating the crisis.
He further noted that while government intervention is essential, the fight against galamsey is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including local communities.
His remarks come at a time when concerns over environmental destruction and water pollution caused by illegal mining continue to mount.
