According to President Mahama, troops will remain in these areas to prevent the return of illegal mining operators. He stated that all nine "red zones," previously heavily impacted by illegal mining and armed operators, have now been cleared. The President made these remarks during a meeting with chiefs from the Western North Region, emphasizing the need for collaboration with traditional authorities to sustain the fight against illegal mining. He recalled that previous attempts to clear reserves failed when miners returned after military withdrawal, and forest guards faced danger, with some losing their lives. President Mahama urged chiefs to support government efforts, especially in communities where resistance to anti-galamsey operations has occurred. He also mentioned a program involving the military and Goldbod to reclaim and reforest destroyed areas using bulldozers and planting economic trees. The Finance Minister has allocated GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to recruit additional Blue Water Guards to patrol water bodies and destroy illegal mining equipment. The President acknowledged that while major river channels have been cleared, illegal mining in tributaries continues to cause pollution. He stressed that the government's response must also address the economic factors driving young people into illegal mining.