Galamsey fight intensifies: Military deployed, 18 chanfans and 10 water pumps destroyed

The government has ramped up its efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, with the deployment of military personnel into key forest reserves and water bodies.

In a decisive sweep, the military task force led by Col. Eric Tenadu, commander of the “Operation Halt” task force, burned 18 chanfans (excavation machines) and 10 industrial water pumping machines that were being used for illegal mining activities on the Brim River in the Atiwa East and West districts.

“We are here to put an end to illegal mining activities that continue to destroy our water bodies and forest reserves,” Col. Tenadu stated during a media briefing.

“The military will remain in the area for the next two weeks to ensure that this first phase of the exercise is completed successfully.”

Col. Tenadu expressed optimism about the effectiveness of the operation adding that the current operation will not only protect water bodies but also restore ecosystems devastated by galamsey activities.

This latest crackdown forms part of the government’s broader strategy to eliminate illegal mining activities, which have severely polluted rivers and destroyed vast areas of forest reserves in the country.

The fight

Illegal mining has been a major environmental and socio-economic issue in Ghana, leading to the degradation of critical water bodies, including the Brim, Pra, and Offin rivers.

Previous efforts to halt the activities have faced challenges due to the involvement of various actors, but the government remains steadfast in its determination to eradicate galamsey.

The deployment of military personnel in areas like Atiwa forms part of a larger strategy outlined by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the environment from further destruction caused by galamsey.

The “Operation Halt” task force is expected to extend its activities to other regions over the coming weeks, with the military playing a pivotal role in dismantling the structures used by illegal miners.

Earlier, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining (galamsey) following mounting concerns from Organised Labour.

In a press release issued by Eugene Arhin, the communications director at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo outlined several decisive measures aimed at curbing the galamsey menace.

Responding to a call from Organised Labour on 7 October 2024, for an immediate cessation of all illegal mining activities near water bodies and forest reserves, President Akufo-Addo promptly engaged the leadership of Organised Labour in a high-level meeting held on October 8th. In a letter dated 9 October, the president addressed their concerns and detailed the steps his government would take.

The president announced that more military personnel would be deployed to combat illegal mining under “Operation Halt.”

He instructed the Minister of Defence to intensify military efforts to prevent all 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,” the statement read.

Suspension of mining in forest reserves

To further demonstrate the government’s resolve, President Akufo-Addo directed the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to suspend the enforcement of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462), with immediate effect.

This suspension is a crucial step in protecting Ghana’s forests from further devastation due to illegal mining.

Strengthened prosecution of Illegal mining cases

In line with enhancing legal actions against offenders, President Akufo-Addo disclosed that four specialised courts had already been established to prosecute illegal mining cases. The President also directed the Attorney General to collaborate with the Chief Justice to increase the number of courts handling such cases.

National pact on Illegal mining

In a landmark appeal, the president urged all political parties, including presidential candidates, to sign a national pact committing to the fight against illegal mining.

“Government has urged Organised Labour to encourage all presidential candidates and their political parties to sign a pact, committing themselves to the fight against illegal mining as part of their election pledges,” the release stated.

As part of his appeal, President Akufo-Addo called on Organised Labour to reconsider their planned strike action, which was scheduled for October 10th, 2024.

He called for collaborative efforts between Organised Labour and government stakeholders to ensure the effective combat of galamsey.

The president reaffirmed his commitment to tackling illegal mining and urged all citizens, political leaders, and stakeholders to unite in the fight to protect Ghana’s natural resources.

“President Akufo-Addo remains determined to end illegal mining and calls on all citizens, political leaders, and stakeholders to unite in this critical national effort,” the statement added.

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