Gov’t announces further operational measures to fight galamsey

• Posted on October 9, 2024October 9, 2024
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar has announced that the government in its continued efforts to clamp down on the long-standing menace of Illegal Small-Scale Mining, has concluded operational measures to intensify the ongoing “Operation Halt” which is led by the Ghana Armed forces, to rid our river bodies of all forms of mining activities.

This phase of the operation, she said, will be done in conjunction with the Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana.

“Government reasserts that river bodies and forest reserves remain red zones. Government reiterates its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and calls on all stakeholders to join the fight,” a statement she issued on Wednesday, October 9 said.

Earlier, Madam Fatimatu Abubakar indicated that the government had agreed with labour unions on a number of steps to be taken to fight the illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) menace. The steps, she said, included a collaboration between the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of illegal mining cases.

To that end, she said the government is surprised by the decision of Organised Labour to proceed with an industrial action over Galamsey.

Members of Organised Labour have resolved to proceed with the nationwide strike on October 10 despite being urged by President Akufo-Addo to give him more time to address their concerns during a meeting on October 4.

Spokesperson of Organised Labour Joshua Ansah said in Accra on October 7 that they will not back down. The Organised Labour meeting was held behind closed doors. However, the leadership insisted that it would proceed with the strike on October 10 as stated.

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According to Joshua Ansah the strike will happen if government does not ban illegal mining.

“We had a discussion, we said by the tenth of October if nothing has been done there will be a nationwide strike. Our strike remains unchanged; we are of the view that what the government has proposed to do does not adequately address our demands and therefore our notice of strike remains unchanged.

“The president discussed the issues with us and our demand is that and what he is able to do is what he has told us, if nothing happens, we will proceed with our strike,” he stressed.

Other labour union leaders asked President Akufo-Addo to announce the total ban before Thursday, October 10.

A statement issued by the Minister of Information Fatimatus Abubakar in reaction to the decision of the unions to strike indicated that ” Following the call by Organised Labour and other stakeholders on Government to take action on the menace of illegal small-scale mining in the country, the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, convened a meeting with Organised Labour on Thursday, 3rd October, 2024 at the Jubilee House.

The meeting discussed the long-standing issue of illegal mining, reviewed the situation and the government’s effort thus far. It was agreed between the parties that:

Government will collaborate with Organised Labour and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining.

Government will take steps, when Parliament reconvenes, this month, to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462).

Government would ramp up its enforcement measures, particularly as it relates to prohibiting illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves.

Water bodies and Forest Reserves remain Red Zones for mining, and all forms of mining in water bodies, as well as reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration and/or small scale mining in Forest Reserves remain banned. Law enforcement agencies of the State are fully mandated to rid our water bodies and Forest Reserves of all forms of mining.”

The Attorney-General will collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of illegal mining cases. Government supports the call for all Presidential Candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining so as to depoliticise this national problem.

“In light of the above, Government is surprised by the decision of Organised Labour to proceed on an industrial action from 10th October, 2024. Government will, however, continue to engage Organised Labour and other stakeholders in a constructive dialogue in finding solutions for this national menace. Government reiterates its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and calls on all stakeholders to join the fight.”