Government as part of its ongoing efforts to curb illegal small-scale mining, has introduced additional measures to strengthen the fight against this long-standing environmental threat.
In a statement on Wednesday (9 October) the Ministry of Information outlined the government’s plans to intensify “Operation Halt,” a nationwide initiative led by the Ghana Armed Forces.
“Operation Halt” is designed to protect the country’s river bodies from illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey, which have severely impacted Ghana’s environment, particularly its water resources.
In this new phase of the operation, the government will collaborate with the Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana to ensure a more coordinated and efficient approach to tackling the menace.
According to the statement signed by the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, the government remains firm in its stance that river bodies and forest reserves are off-limits for any form of mining activity. These areas are considered “red zones,” and any mining operations conducted within them will be met with strict enforcement actions.
The government also used this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and called on all stakeholders, including political actors, civil society organisations, and local communities, to join in the effort to protect the nation’s natural resources.
“The government reiterates its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and calls on all stakeholders to join the fight,” the statement said.
This latest initiative reflects the government’s ongoing resolve to combat the destructive effects of illegal mining, which has threatened water bodies, farmlands, and the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
With the support of key organizations like the Small-Scale Miners Association and a clear mandate for the Ghana Armed Forces to lead enforcement, the government hopes to make significant progress in eliminating illegal mining activities.
Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
