Western Regional Minister Calls for Drone Surveillance to Tackle Galamsey Along Rivers
Minister says drones will help map entire rivers, monitor upstream galamsey, and support chiefs in enforcing the law
- Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson calls for drones to monitor upstream sections of rivers for illegal mining
- Canoes cannot access some areas, making it difficult to identify all galamsey activities along rivers like the Ankobrah
- The Minister emphasizes that combining technology with the support of traditional leaders will strengthen enforcement and achieve lasting results
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has called for the immediate deployment of drone surveillance technology to strengthen efforts against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, particularly along the upstream sections of major rivers in the region.
Speaking on Lawson TV’s Ghana Se Sen Morning Show with Kwame Tanko on January 12, 2026, Minister Nelson emphasized that modern technology is key to making the fight against galamsey more effective.
He explained that while teams have cleared galamsey activities along the downstream sections of rivers, including the Ankobrah River—which spans four constituencies—the upstream areas remain difficult to monitor.
“When our teams go upstream, they rely on canoes, and in some sections, navigating is a challenge. You cannot identify all the areas where galamsey is taking place if you can’t see the full length of the river,” he said.
The Minister noted that drones would provide a comprehensive aerial view, allowing authorities to map the entire river system, detect illegal activities in inaccessible areas, and plan more targeted interventions.
“All the downstream sections are now largely free of illegal mining activity. To ensure the entire river is clean, we need drones to know its full length,” he added.
He also called on traditional leaders to actively participate in enforcing the law and supporting government efforts, noting that collaboration with chiefs would strengthen the fight against illegal mining.
Minister Nelson stressed that combining modern technology with local enforcement and community cooperation is essential to achieving lasting results in the battle against galamsey.
