President Akufo-Addo has defended the extreme measures employed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and Defence to rid the country of illegal mining activities and operators.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony to commence the Law Village Project, Wednesday, the President entreated mining operators who have had their equipment confiscated and destroyed during by Operation Halt to seek legal redress if they believe they feel unduly shortchanged.

"I know there are some who believe that the ongoing exercise of ridding our water bodies and forest zones of harmful equipment and machinery is unlawful and, in some cases, harsh.

"I strongly disagree, and I would advise those who take a contrary view to go to court to vindicate their position, if they so wish. That is what the rule of law is all about," he stated.

According to him, the rule of law holds no favourites irrespective of religion, social status, ethnicity and political affiliation, hence the ideal platform to address their grievances.

Referencing the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703), the President noted that individuals or companies with licenses who undertake mining activities in water bodies or protective forest zones commit an illegality.

"The activities of such persons desecrate our environment, pollute our water bodies and endanger the lives of present and future generations of Ghanaians. They are monumental crimes which should not be condoned in any shape or form.

"The devastation caused by these equipment [changfans and excavators] is nothing short of evil," he added.

Ghana earlier this year put in place stern measures to finally nip the "galamsey" menace in the bud.

Lands Minister Samuel Abdulai Jinapor in April directed all illegal and legal mining companies to halt all mining activities in water bodies and forest reserves.

This decision is geared towards restoring the natural state of the country's water bodies have been devastated by 'galamsey'.

This directive was later fortified with the deployment of security personnel into some areas government described as 'Red Zones' to ensure the order given is followed to the latter.

Since the commencement of the Operation Halt, 49 excavators, 228 changfans and 87 water pumping machines among other mining equipment have been destroyed just in the last phase.

For government, protecting and preserving the environment and water bodies including Birim, Offin and Oda Rivers in the country remain top priority despite unsuccessful projects in the past years to end the reign of illegal mining.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has called on all and sundry regardless of their political affiliation to come on board and assist government in its fight to protect the environment rather than support the non-existing rights of galamsey operators.

"..we should not compromise our efforts to protect the environment, forest reserves and water bodies. I appeal to all Ghanaians including many in the opposition who are so doing to rally behind government in its effort to stamp out far reaching illegality and criminality rather than advocate for the protection of non-existing rights of persons caught in this evil activity," he entreated.