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.
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