By: Kekeli K. Blamey
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has taken bold steps to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Following a meeting with Organised Labour on October 8, the President directed the Defence Minister to deploy additional military forces to intensify Operation Halt, aimed at curbing galamsey activities.
To further address concerns raised by Organised Labour, the President outlined several measures. These included suspending the enforcement of L.I 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves, and deploying naval boats to polluted river bodies to stop all mining activities.
Additionally, the President instructed the Attorney General to collaborate with the Chief Justice to increase the number of courts handling illegal mining cases, enhancing legal action against galamsey.
In a significant move, the government urged presidential candidates and political parties to sign a pact committing to fight galamsey. Organised Labour, satisfied with the government’s measures, has suspended its planned nationwide strike, initially set for today.
The President’s directives come after Organised Labour announced it would declare a nationwide strike on October 10 if the government failed to take action against illegal mining. The strike has now been called off.
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.
This move aims to protect Ghana’s water resources and environment.
Government’s commitment to fighting galamsey has been reaffirmed, and the collaboration with Organized Labour and other stakeholders is expected to yield positive results in the combat against illegal mining.
