The fourth phase of the ‘Operation Halt II’ exercise aimed at cleaning the various waterbodies affected by ‘galamsey’ across the country has commenced on the Ankobra River and its tributaries.
According to a communique by the Ministry of Information, the fourth phase which has commenced has 401 military men involved.
“The Ghana Armed Forces has commenced the fourth phase of ‘Operation Halt II’ aimed; at removing all persons and logistics involved in mining from water bodies.
“The new phase of the operation focuses on the Ankobra River and its tributaries. The operation is being undertaken by four hundred and one men of all ranks.”
The minister further cautioned the public to stay away from mining in water to avoid any action by the forces.
This fourth phase comes a day after President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to end galamsey and;also challenged persons who disagree with burning of excavators to seek legal redress in court.
The Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, in a previous update disclosed that;the third phase of the ‘Operation Halt’ saw 500 personnel being deployed to the various mining sites.
Accounting for the number of equipment seized,;he indicated that this operation had a higher number compared to the first and second phases. He revealed that a total of 448 equipment was seized and destroyed.
Suspend mining for a year
Meanwhile, the Okyehene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has called for the suspension of mining;in the country for a year for a review of the legal regime governing the whole sector.
He also called for the decoupling of the Minerals Commission from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources;for the Commission to have the free hand to operate.
The Okyehene stated this when the sector Minister, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor paid a courtesy call on him yesterday, Thursday,;May 27th 2021 as part of his two-day tour of the Eastern Region.
According to Osagyefuo Amoatia,;it is important for government to adequately resource the Minerals Commission in order to effectively carry out its mandate.
Touching on remuneration for mine workers,;he noted that the disparity between the Ghanaian miner worker and others in other jurisdictions is too wide and must be looked at. Also
The Okyehene’s comments come in the wake of the government’s renewed fight against illegal mining,;which has led to the destruction of excavators and other equipment used for illegal mining activities. so,
The destruction of excavators and other mining equipment have been widely condemned;by some persons who believe the seized equipment could serve other useful purposes.
Small-scale mining activities in 2017 was suspended for over a year to sanitize;the sector and to deal with the menace of illegal mining going forward. But even after the long ban, illegal mining still persists, compelling the government to heighten its efforts in a renewed fight.
On his part, the Minister, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor said all the issues and concerns raised by the Okyehene will be tabled for further deliberations. Also
