In a response to escalating pressure from Organised Labour, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister for Defence to deploy additional military forces to intensify “Operation Halt,” a government initiative aimed at curbing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. This strengthened operation will target areas near water bodies and forest reserves, which have been severely impacted by the destructive activities of galamsey operators.
The decision was announced in a press statement on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, outlining plans to deploy naval boats on polluted river bodies to enforce an immediate halt to both legal and illegal mining activities. This initiative aims to protect Ghana’s natural resources and prevent further environmental degradation, restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to tackle the galamsey crisis.
Meanwhile, Organised Labour, which had threatened to go on a nationwide strike on October 10, 2024, has suspended its plans. Following assurances from the government to ramp up efforts to curb illegal mining, union leaders held an emergency meeting and decided to call off the industrial action. Labour will continue to monitor the government’s progress in implementing the reinforced measures to end galamsey.
President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to eradicating illegal mining and urged all citizens, political leaders, and stakeholders to join in the fight to protect Ghana’s natural resources.