Akufo-Addo directs Defence Minister to deploy additional military forces to fight Galamsey

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister for Defence to deploy additional military personnel to strengthen “Operation Halt,” the government’s initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, particularly in areas near water bodies and forest reserves.

This decision comes in response to growing pressure from Organised Labour, which had demanded an immediate halt to galamsey activities and threatened to go on strike if the government failed to act decisively.

In a press statement dated Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Presidency announced that the operation would be significantly bolstered, with the deployment of naval boats on polluted river bodies to enforce the immediate cessation of all mining activities—whether legal or illegal.

The expanded military presence is expected to enhance efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and prevent further environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s water bodies and forest reserves, stressing that no mining activities would be tolerated in designated “red zones.”

This measure aims to restore public confidence in the government’s ability to combat the galamsey menace, which has severely affected water quality and ecosystems across the nation.

“The President has directed the Minister for Defence to deploy additional military forces to intensify the ongoing “Operation Halt”, which aims to curb illegal mining activities.

“The operation will be bolstered by the deployment of naval boats on polluted river bodies to ensure the immediate cessation of all mining activities, legal or illegal, in and around these water bodies.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed his commitment to end illegal mining, and called on all citizens,
political leaders and stakeholders to unite in this critical national effort.

Meanwhile, Organised Labour has suspended its much-anticipated nationwide strike slated for Thursday, October 10, 2024.

The decision was made during an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders assessed the situation and agreed to call off the industrial action.

The decision was taken following assurances from the government to tackle illegal mining. Organised Labour noted that the government has taken considerable steps, including ramping up the Operational Halt initiative, led by the Ghana Armed Forces, to combat illegal mining activities in forest reserves

In a media briefing, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, explained that the decision was made to allow Labour to observe the government’s implementation of these measures.

The strike, which had garnered the backing of various unions, was intended to pressure the government to take decisive action on illegal mining (galamsey) and other pressing issues.