President John Dramani Mahama announced that GH¢400 million will be allocated in the 2027 Budget to recruit more Blue Water Guards to intensify the fight against illegal mining, particularly on Ghana’s water bodies. According to the President, this funding will strengthen efforts to patrol rivers and prevent illegal miners from using changfang machines. He stated that the guards have been instructed to destroy changfang machines on sight. The government has cleared nine red-zone forest reserves of illegal mining operators, deploying soldiers to prevent their return. The Goldbod is working with the military to reclaim degraded forest lands, with the Forestry Commission supporting the restoration. President Mahama stressed the need for collaboration with traditional authorities and urged chiefs to support the government’s efforts to prevent illegal mining and reduce confrontations. He also linked the fight against galamsey to creating alternative livelihoods for young people through the proposed US$10 billion New Economy Policy. The President expressed concern about Senior High School students involved in illegal mining, stating that the government must combine law enforcement with employment opportunities to address the economic pressures driving young people into the illegal mining business. He called for a united effort involving government, traditional authorities, and local communities to protect Ghana’s rivers and forests.