 |
| Fatimatu Abubakar |
The government has completed operational measures to increase the "ongoing Operation Halt" in its attempts to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey, according to Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 9, Fatimatu Abubakar stated that the operation, which aims to dissuade illegal miners from contaminating Ghana's water bodies, will be headed by members of the Ghana Armed Forces working with the Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana.
A prohibition on all types of mining near river bodies has been advocated by organisations and individuals, most notably organised labour, who have pushed the government to abolish LI 2462, a piece of legislation that authorises gold prospecting in forest reserves.
Organised Labour called an indefinite strike action effective Thursday, October 10 , over the government’s inability to accept its demands. The Media Coalition Against Galamsey also encouraged Ghanaians to wear red armbands in opposition to the government's reluctance to support organised labour's strike.
 |
| Full statement |
The assertion made by Fatimatu that "river bodies and forest reserves remain red zones" was further reinforced. In an effort to combat illicit mining in waterways and forest areas, Operation Halt was started.