Akufo-Addo directs Defence Ministry to deploy additional military forces to curb galamsey

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister of Defence Dominic Nitiwul to deploy additional military forces to deal with the illegal mining (galamsey) menace.

The additional military forces will join ongoing ‘Operation Halt’ which is aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the country.

According to a press release from the Presidency, 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.

As part of several other key steps taken to combat illegal mining, President Akufo-Addo has instructed the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, along 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.

In the release from the Presidency signed by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications, President Akufo-Addo appealed to citizens, political leaders and stakeholders to unite in the fight against galamsey, adding that he is determined to end the devastation being caused.

Below is a copy of the press release from the presidency.

For Immediate Release
PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO END ILLEGAL MINING

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has taken action in response to a press release issued by Organised Labour on 7th October 2024, calling for an immediate halt to illegal mining ("galamsey") in and around water bodies and forest reserves. In a demonstration of Government's commitment to tackling the issue, President Akufo-Addo, through the relevant sector ministers, invited the leadership of Organised Labour to a meeting held on Tuesday, 8th October 2024, at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.

Following the meeting, the President has, in a letter dated 9th October 2024, and addressed to the leadership of Organised Labour, outlined the following measures to address their concerns:

1. Deployment of Additional Military Personnel: 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.

2. Suspension of Mining in Forest Reserves: The President has instructed the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, along 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.
3. Strengthened Prosecution of Illegal Mining Cases: In a bid to enhance legal action against illegal mining activities, four (4) dedicated courts have already been established. The President has further directed the Attorney General to work with the Chief Justice to increase the number of courts handling cases related to illegal mining.

4. Call for a National Pact on 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.

In light of these decisive actions, Government respectfully requests that Organised Labour suspend its planned "strike action" on 10th October 2024, and collaborate with Government and other stakeholders to ensure the effective combat of the galamsey menace.

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.

Eugene Arhin
Director of Communications
Office of the President