KEY POINTS
- President Akufo-Addo ordered military and police action against illegal mining.
- The crackdown follows mounting pressure from citizens and labour unions.
- Illegal mining, or Galamsey, threatens water supply and farmlands.
President Akufo-Addo has directed the police and military to take swift action against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as Galamsey, as public frustration over environmental damage continues to rise. His decision came after a national security meeting to assess the severe impact Galamsey is having on the country’s rivers and ecosystems.
In a press briefing, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor confirmed the President’s orders. He said security forces will ramp up enforcement efforts, with regional security councils leading the charge. “The Ghana Police Service will be the first to act,” he stated. “If necessary, we’ll involve the Ghana Armed Forces and decommission any illegal mining equipment found.”
A nation demands action
Several groups, including organized labour and religious leaders, have been vocal in urging the government to act swiftly. Labour unions even issued an ultimatum, warning that they would go on a nationwide strike by the end of the month if the situation isn’t dealt with immediately. The destruction caused by illegal mining goes beyond polluted rivers—it’s also destroying farmlands and robbing many Ghanaians of their livelihoods.
Civil society groups and environmental activists have also pointed out that illegal mining is poisoning water sources with toxic chemicals.
Military and police take charge
MyJoyOnline reported that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, confirmed the president’s new orders during a media briefing. Jinapor explained that regional security councils across the country will lead enforcement efforts. The Ghana Police Service will handle most operations, but if needed, the military will be called in to offer additional support. Jinapor also hinted that illegal mining equipment could be decommissioned if the situation requires more extreme measures.
The focus will be on immediate enforcement, with regional councils tasked to monitor and record illegal mining activities. Ghanaians can expect a ramp-up in these operations in the coming days and weeks. “The enforcement regime is about to change dramatically,” said Jinapor. He noted that security forces will take a tougher stance on anyone caught engaging in these illegal activities.
A strained water supply
The Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, which supplies several communities, has been struggling to operate due to the damage caused. Contaminated rivers make it nearly impossible for the plant to treat enough clean water, leaving households in Cape Coast and Elmina without a steady supply.
