Gov't deploys soldiers to combat galamsey, save water bodies

Accra, Ghana - October 10, 2024 - In a bold move to combat the devastating effects of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, the Ghanaian government has deployed over 100 armed military personnel to various water bodies across the country.

This renewed effort aims to strengthen "Operation Halt," an initiative launched to eradicate galamsey, which has become one of Ghana's most pressing environmental challenges.

The deployment, directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, follows 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, is expected to be the starting point for the intensified crackdown.

Key Objectives:

- Protect Water Resources: Naval boats will be deployed on polluted river bodies to enforce the immediate cessation of all mining activities.
- Restore Affected Rivers: The military deployment aims to revive rivers like Ankobra, Pra, and Birim, rendered unusable due to illegal mining.
- Address Health Risks: The government seeks to mitigate severe health risks posed to local communities relying on contaminated water bodies.

Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online