To combat the illegal mining known as galamsey, security analyst Dr. Ishmael Norman has suggested a shoot-to-kill strategy as a potential remedy.
His remarks come as worries about the environmental harm caused by the activity are increasing. According to a recent Forestry Commission survey, illegal mining has destroyed over 9,000 hectares of Ghana’s forest reserves, with over 5,200 hectares lost during the previous three years.
The Commission claims that between 2021 and 2024, the area of forest reserves impacted by unlawful mining grew by 5,252.9 hectares. As of December 31, 2024, the overall land area affected by this has increased to 8,923.8 hectares.
Dr. Norman pointed out that the illegal mining operations are frequently supported by powerful people, implying that many of the youths who are directly involved in them may be unable to stop them.
He called on the authorities to treat illegal mining as a serious national security issue in an interview with Sammi Wiafe on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on March 7, 2026.
He also expressed concern about the practice’s serious environmental effects, notably the contamination of rivers and other water sources.
“The only method lacking is shoot-to-kill. Given the abundance of them those we are arresting lack the power to do anything since the entire architecture is being driven by political individuals behind the scenes. Let’s enter the ring if it’s a battle, and let’s shoot to kill if it’s a war. I think it’s a war. He stated that he was really worried about water bodies being poisoned.
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