The Ghanaian government has taken a bold step to combat illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, by deploying over 100 armed military personnel to various water bodies. This move is part of the "Operation Halt" initiative, which aims to eradicate illegal mining activities that have severely affected the country's water bodies, farmlands, and forests.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo directed the Minister for Defence to strengthen the operation, following growing agitation from over 50 state and private civil society organizations (CSOs) urging the government to address the environmental devastation caused by galamsey.
The Eastern Region, one of the areas most affected by illegal mining, will be the starting point for the intensified crackdown. Naval boats will also be deployed on polluted river bodies to enforce the immediate cessation of all mining activities, whether legal or illegal.
Main Objectives to be achieved
- _Protect water resources_: Prevent toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide from polluting rivers.
- _Restore affected rivers_: Revitalize rivers like Ankobra, Pra, and Birim, rendered unusable due to illegal mining.
- _Preserve natural resources_: Address environmental degradation and health risks to local communities.
This deployment is a direct response to calls from environmental groups, CSOs, and citizens demanding action to preserve Ghana's natural resources.