The Government of Ghana has announced new measures to strengthen its ongoing efforts in combating illegal mining, widely known as galamsey. Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar revealed on Wednesday, October 9, that these measures will focus on intensifying “Operation Halt,” which aims to protect the country’s river bodies and forest reserves from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
Led by personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, the operation will be conducted in collaboration with the Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana. The government’s goal is to remove illegal miners who continue to pollute Ghana’s water bodies, particularly the rivers that provide drinking water and sustain agriculture. Fatimatu Abubakar stressed that the “river bodies and forest reserves remain red zones,” indicating that these areas are off-limits for any form of mining.
The issue of illegal mining has been a major concern for environmentalists, local communities, and civil society organizations, as it poses a severe threat to the environment and the livelihoods of many Ghanaians. The pollution of river bodies by illegal mining activities has caused extensive damage to aquatic ecosystems, reduced the availability of clean drinking water, and impacted agricultural productivity in several regions.
Several groups, including Organised Labour, have raised their voices against the government’s handling of the situation. They have called for the repeal of LI 2462, a legislative instrument that allows for gold prospecting in forest reserves, and have demanded a total ban on mining activities near water bodies. Organised Labour declared an indefinite strike action starting Thursday, October 10, in protest of the government’s refusal to address these demands. The group’s strike reflects growing frustration among stakeholders over the government’s approach to environmental protection and resource management.
In a show of solidarity with the strike, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey has called on Ghanaians to wear red armbands as a form of protest against the government’s perceived reluctance to tackle the illegal mining crisis head-on. The coalition has been a vocal advocate for stronger measures against galamsey, urging the government to prioritize the protection of natural resources over short-term economic gains.
Fatimatu Abubakar’s statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining, noting that “Operation Halt” will remain a key part of its strategy. Launched to combat the growing menace of illegal mining, the operation has already seen some success in seizing equipment used by illegal miners and reclaiming land that had been degraded by mining activities. However, the resurgence of galamsey in various parts of the country has prompted the government to step up its efforts.
The collaboration with the Small-Scale Miners Association is seen as a critical component of the renewed push to eradicate galamsey. By working with legitimate small-scale miners, the government aims to distinguish between those engaged in responsible mining practices and those involved in illegal activities. This partnership will allow authorities to better monitor mining operations and ensure that only licensed miners operate within the law.
Despite these efforts, the challenge of eliminating illegal mining remains daunting. The lure of quick profits, coupled with the involvement of powerful individuals and networks, has made it difficult to completely stamp out galamsey. Nonetheless, the government remains resolute in its mission to protect Ghana’s natural resources and safeguard the environment for future generations.
As the government moves forward with its intensified crackdown on illegal mining, all eyes will be on the outcomes of “Operation Halt.” Many Ghanaians are hopeful that this renewed effort will lead to lasting change, ensuring that the country’s water bodies and forests are preserved and that illegal mining becomes a thing of the past.
