The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) Junior Staff Course (JSC) 86 has conducted a five-day research-based Environmental Study Tour in the Western Region from Monday, 21 September to Saturday, 26 September 2026, to examine environmental challenges affecting national development.
The tour formed part of the career progression requirements of the course and was led by the Assistant Commandant, Colonel (Col) BB Pantoah. The team comprised 70 students, supported by two Chief Instructors and 10 Directing Staff.
The study was conducted under the theme, "Safeguarding the Environment for National Development: Challenges and Prospects in the Western Region," with focus on six thematic areas namely anti-illegal mining operations, illegal mining and land reclamation, illegal mining and cash crop production, sustainable mining and land reclamation, forest conservation and climate resilience, and water pollution and protection.
As part of the exercise, the team visited selected districts and municipalities including Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal, Ahanta West Municipal, Shama District, Mpohor, Ellembelle and Wassa East to engage relevant stakeholders and gather information for their research.
Stakeholders engaged during the tour provided professional insights into the various thematic areas and highlighted the environmental and socio-economic consequences of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. They identified inadequate logistical support, limited inter-agency collaboration and lack of night vision equipment, among others, as some of the challenges affecting efforts to combat illegal mining.
The students' research further indicated that the effects of illegal mining extended beyond environmental degradation to social and moral concerns within affected communities, including petty crimes, teenage pregnancy and the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
At the end of the tour, the students presented their research findings and recommendations to the Western Regional Minister, Hon Joseph Nelson. The Minister expressed appreciation to the Assistant Commandant and the team for undertaking the study and assured them of his commitment to working with the recommendations presented to address the environmental challenges identified.
The study tour provided the students with an opportunity to combine academic research with practical field experience while gaining a deeper understanding of the environmental, social and economic issues affecting communities in the Western Region.
By WOI Ayertey John