President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister of Defence to deploy additional military forces to reinforce 'Operation Halt,' the government’s ongoing initiative to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

This renewed effort will focus on regions near water bodies and forest reserves that have been severely affected by illegal mining activities.

The President’s directive comes in response to mounting pressure from Organised Labour, which had threatened a nationwide strike if the government failed to take more decisive action to combat the environmental damage caused by galamsey.

Organised Labour had demanded an immediate halt to illegal mining activities to prevent further destruction of Ghana's natural resources.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Presidency announced that the enhanced operation would include the deployment of naval boats on polluted rivers.

The military will enforce a strict ban on all mining activities, whether legal or illegal, in designated "red zones," which include vulnerable water bodies and forest reserves.

"The President has directed the Minister for Defence to deploy additional military forces to intensify 'Operation Halt,' aimed at curbing illegal mining activities.

This operation will be bolstered by the deployment of naval boats on polluted rivers to ensure the immediate cessation of all mining activities, legal or illegal, in and around these water bodies," the statement read.

The additional military forces will be tasked with safeguarding the country’s natural resources, ensuring that no mining activities are permitted in the affected areas.

The government also warned that decisive action would be taken against those who violate this directive.

Meanwhile, Organised Labour has suspended its planned nationwide strike, which was scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

The decision followed an emergency meeting held by union leaders on Wednesday, during which they assessed the government's commitment to addressing the illegal mining crisis.

Joshua Ansah, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), stated during a media briefing that the suspension of the strike would allow Labour to monitor the government's implementation of the new measures. Organised Labour expressed hope that the intensified "Operation Halt" would produce tangible results in the fight against illegal mining.