Galamsey: Soldiers Burn 18 Chanfans, Destroy Excavators On The Birim River In Renewed Fight

The government of Ghana has ramped up its fight against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” through its “Operation Halt” initiative. Military forces deployed under the program have destroyed 18 chanfans (mining machines), 10 industrial water pumping machines, and one excavator at various illegal mining sites across the country. This effort forms part of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s broader strategy to curb illegal mining activities that have long plagued Ghana’s environment.

In response to growing concerns over the detrimental effects of galamsey, President Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister for Defence to deploy additional military personnel to intensify the ongoing operation. This decision follows a meeting with Organised Labour on October 8, 2024, after the group threatened to initiate a nationwide strike on October 10 if the government failed to take stronger action against illegal mining.

During the meeting, the President announced several key measures to address the concerns raised by Organised Labour. In a statement issued on October 9, the Office of the Presidency detailed the steps being taken, including the suspension of L.I 2462, a regulation governing mining in forest reserves, by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In addition to these actions, naval boats will be deployed to monitor polluted river bodies, ensuring that all mining activities, whether legal or illegal, cease immediately in and around these water bodies. President Akufo-Addo has also instructed the Attorney General to collaborate with the Chief Justice to increase the number of courts handling illegal mining cases, aiming to enhance legal proceedings and expedite justice in such cases.

The government has also appealed to presidential candidates and political parties to sign a pact committing themselves to the fight against illegal mining, reinforcing the nation’s collective resolve to combat the issue.

Following the President’s comprehensive outline of measures, Organised Labour has expressed satisfaction and agreed to suspend its planned strike on October 10, 2024. The group has also committed to working with other stakeholders to ensure the effective execution of the government’s strategies to combat galamsey.

The enhanced operation marks a renewed effort by the government to address the ongoing illegal mining crisis, aiming to protect Ghana’s natural resources and the environment from further degradation.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com