President Akufo-Addo has instructed the Minister of Defence to deploy additional military forces to reinforce “Operation Halt,” the government’s initiative to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The operation will focus on regions near water bodies and forest reserves, which have been severely impacted by illegal mining activities.

This directive follows mounting pressure from Organised Labour, which had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the government did not take stronger action to stop galamsey.

Organised Labour demanded that illegal mining activities be halted immediately to prevent further environmental degradation.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Presidency announced that the enhanced operation would include deploying naval boats on polluted rivers.

The military will enforce a strict ban on all mining activities, whether legal or illegal, in designated areas.

This step is intended to ensure the immediate cessation of activities that are harming Ghana’s natural resources.

The additional military forces will be tasked with safeguarding water bodies and forest reserves across the country.

The government stressed that no mining activities would be permitted in “red zones” and vowed to take decisive action against those who violate this directive.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Organised Labour has suspended its highly anticipated nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday, October 10.

This decision was reached during an emergency meeting on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where union leaders evaluated the current situation and agreed to call off the strike.

The suspension followed government assurances to address illegal mining, with significant actions being taken, including an intensified Operational Halt initiative led by the Ghana Armed Forces to combat galamsey in forest reserves.

Speaking at a media briefing, Trades Union Congress (TUC) Secretary General, Joshua Ansah, stated that the suspension would allow Labour to monitor the government's implementation of these measures.

Organised Labour expressed its hope that the government’s recent efforts would lead to meaningful results in the fight against illegal mining.