President Akufo-Addo Cracks Down on Illegal Mining with Police and Military Deployment
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has taken decisive action against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, in response to growing calls for stricter enforcement. According to reports from Joy FM in Accra, this move follows a national security meeting focused on evaluating the environmental impact of galamsey on Ghana’s river bodies and ecosystems.
In a recent press briefing, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor revealed that the President has instructed a comprehensive crackdown on illegal mining activities. This includes the potential decommissioning of illegal mining equipment if necessary.
Jinapor detailed the plan: “Regional Security Councils will conduct thorough inspections and initiate operations to enforce the law. Expect intensified efforts in the coming days and weeks. The Ghana Police Service will lead these actions, and if needed, the Ghana Armed Forces will be brought in. We are also prepared to decommission illegal mining equipment as a last resort.”
Organised Labour Threatens Strike Over Galamsey Crisis
Meanwhile, Organised Labour, spearheaded by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has issued a strong warning to the government. They have threatened a nationwide strike by the end of September if urgent measures are not taken to tackle the escalating galamsey crisis.
Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the TUC, called for immediate and impactful action, including declaring a state of emergency in areas heavily affected by illegal mining. The TUC also demands a suspension of mining activities in forest reserves, the establishment of special courts to expedite the prosecution of galamsey operators, and the deployment of the military to confiscate and destroy illegal mining equipment.
Ansah highlighted the severe environmental damage caused by galamsey, including the destruction of rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent further degradation.
