Nana Akufo-Addo has ordered the deployment of police and military forces to crack down on illegal small-scale mining, known locally as galamsey. This decision comes after a national security meeting addressing the severe environmental damage caused by galamsey, particularly to rivers and water bodies.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, confirmed that regional security councils would lead the crackdown. Equipment used for illegal mining operations may also be decommissioned if necessary. These efforts aim to alleviate the damage that galamsey activities have caused to Ghana’s water supply, particularly in Cape Coast and surrounding communities.
The Ghana Water Company Limited recently warned of water shortages in the region, attributing the issue to galamsey activities polluting water sources. Civil society groups and citizens have increasingly voiced their frustrations over the government’s perceived inaction on illegal mining.
Organized Labour has also threatened a nationwide strike if decisive action isn’t taken by the end of September 2024 to address the escalating galamsey crisis.