President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has instructed the Minister for Defence to increase military personnel for the government's initiative, “Operation Halt,” aimed at combatting illegal mining, known as galamsey, especially in proximity to water bodies and forest reserves.

This move follows rising demands from Organised Labour, which has urged an immediate cessation of galamsey activities and threatened strikes if the government fails to respond effectively.

In a press release dated October 9, 2024, the Presidency stated that the operation will be significantly strengthened, including the deployment of naval boats on polluted rivers to enforce the immediate suspension of all mining activities—both legal and illegal.

The enhanced military presence is intended to bolster efforts to protect Ghana's natural resources and mitigate the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.

The government reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the country’s water bodies and forest reserves, declaring that no mining activities will be permitted in designated “red zones.”

This initiative aims to restore public trust in the government’s ability to address the galamsey crisis, which has severely impacted water quality and ecosystems throughout the country.

“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 reiterated his commitment to ending illegal mining and called for unity among citizens, political leaders, and stakeholders in this crucial national endeavor.

In related news, Organised Labour has called off its planned nationwide strike scheduled for October 10, 2024.

This decision was reached during an emergency meeting on October 9, where union leaders reviewed the situation and opted to suspend the industrial action.

The decision came after the government assured Organised Labour of its commitment to addressing illegal mining. Union leaders noted the significant steps taken, including strengthening the Operation Halt initiative led by the Ghana Armed Forces to combat illegal mining in forest reserves.

During a media briefing, Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, explained that the strike was postponed to allow Labour to monitor the government's implementation of these measures.

The proposed strike, which had garnered support from various unions, was aimed at pressuring the government to take decisive action on illegal mining (galamsey) and other urgent issues.