The government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the illegal mining menace, commonly referred to as galamsey, by intensifying efforts under “Operation Halt.”
The operation, spearheaded by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), aims to rid the country’s water bodies of illegal small-scale mining activities that have been degrading natural resources.
The new phase of “Operation Halt” is set to bring on board the Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana in an unprecedented collaboration.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 9, the Information Minister noted that the initiative signals the government’s strategic shift in involving legitimate small-scale miners to help clamp down on illegal operators who have been polluting rivers and destroying forests.
This collaboration comes at a crucial time as the country braces for a nationwide strike led by Organised Labour, set to begin on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The strike, partly motivated by the government’s perceived inaction against galamsey, has heightened the urgency for effective measures to combat the illegal practice.
The Ministry of Information, through the press release signed by Minister Fatimatu Abubakar, highlighted that River Bodies and Forest Reserves have been designated as Red Zones where no mining activities, whether legal or illegal, will be tolerated.
The government has also called on all stakeholders, including civil society, the media, and the public, to join the fight against illegal small-scale mining to protect the environment for future generations.
This announcement comes as the galamsey issue has been a central focus of public discontent, further compounded by the upcoming nationwide strike led by Organised Labour.
Organised Labour, representing multiple unions, including the Public Utility Workers Union and the General Agricultural Workers Union, is advocating for more decisive government action against galamsey. One of their key demands is for the government to declare a state of emergency to address the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
Despite these efforts, the strike, which threatens to shut down several sectors, may significantly disrupt the country, placing additional pressure on the government to demonstrate tangible progress in the fight against illegal mining.
