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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister for Defence to deploy more military personnel to reinforce “Operation Halt,” the government’s initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. This intensified effort focuses on protecting water bodies and forest reserves.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, follows mounting pressure from Organised Labour, which had threatened to strike unless urgent action was taken against galamsey. The operation will now see an increased military presence, including naval boats patrolling polluted rivers, to enforce a total halt to all mining activities, both legal and illegal, near water bodies.
The expanded military efforts are intended to protect Ghana’s natural resources and restore public confidence in the government’s ability to combat illegal mining, which has caused severe environmental damage.
In a related development, Organised Labour has suspended its planned nationwide strike after the government’s assurance to ramp up anti-galamsey operations. This decision was made during an emergency meeting, with union leaders opting to observe the government’s follow-through on its commitments.
