Accra, Ghana – October 9, 2023

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced a strategic partnership with small-scale miners as part of its ongoing initiative to combat illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.” This collaboration aims to promote responsible mining practices while intensifying efforts to address the significant environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities across the nation.

In a press statement released by the Information Ministry on Wednesday, GAF highlighted the importance of involving legitimate small-scale miners in the fight against galamsey. The initiative seeks to empower these miners to help identify and expose illegal operators, which is expected to enhance the enforcement of laws and regulations in affected areas.

The collaboration will also focus on educating miners about sustainable mining practices and raising awareness of the detrimental effects of galamsey on vital natural resources, including water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands. By working closely with local stakeholders, the GAF aims to build community trust and cooperation, essential elements for the success of anti-galamsey operations.

This new partnership comes at a critical juncture, as the government intensifies its commitment to eradicating illegal mining and safeguarding the country’s natural resources. The GAF and the small-scale miners’ association have expressed optimism that their combined efforts will result in a more coordinated and effective approach to addressing the ongoing galamsey crisis.

This initiative marks a renewed attempt by the military to tackle the galamsey issue, following earlier operations that failed to achieve the desired results.

As the GAF enhances its anti-galamsey efforts, the government faces mounting pressure from organized labor, which is set to commence a nationwide strike on Thursday, October 10. The strike stems from the government’s failure to address three key demands, including the declaration of a state of emergency on water bodies and forest reserves, a temporary ban on all forms of small-scale mining, and the withdrawal of a Legislative Instrument permitting mining in protected forest areas.

With tensions rising and community stakeholders mobilizing, the outcome of these initiatives will be closely watched as Ghana seeks to find a sustainable solution to the galamsey crisis.