He stated that despite the challenges, stakeholders, including the Ghana Armed Forces must work together to find lasting solutions to the menace.

He was addressing officers of the Takoradi Air Force Base as part of his familiarisa­tion tour of security agencies in the Western Region.

Mr Nelson noted that the damaged caused by illegal mining activities on the environment were severe, and that there was the need for a coordinated approach to tackle this complex issue.

The Minister said: “The de­struction of the environment and pollution of water bodies due to illegal mining cannot be ignored.”

“So, the call for a multi-fac­eted solution, involving vari­ous stakeholders, including the military, highlights the severity of the problem which we all must resolve to address.”

Mr Nelson stated that lead­ership required making tough choices, hence, taking decisive actions against perpetrators of illegal mining was necessary.

“Rather than just lamenting the issue, we will work with stakeholders to provide alterna­tive livelihoods for those depen­dent on illegal mining to help restore our degraded lands and polluted water bodies,” he added.

Air Commodore Kwabena Kissiedu Manukure Atiemo, the Takoradi Air Force Base Commander, said despite the complexities encountered in the fight against illegal mining, they would work together to tackle the menace.