Galamsey fight gets tough: Military deploys 10 platoons to mining sites

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The government has stepped up its fight against illegal mining activities as the Military prepares to deploy ten platoons to protect mining sites from the menace on Monday.

The deployment today is the first phase of what is expected to a long-term campaign to protect mining concessions.

The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu, announced in July an extended military operation aimed at ridding small-scale illegal miners from the mining concessions big mining companies.

Deployment of at least 300 military personnel also follows negotiations between the Chamber of Mines and the Ghana Armed Forces.

The deployment, according to the Ministry is to provide protection for both life and property, against illegal miners and their activities.

The memorandum covered over 20 Companies including C&G Aleksa and GeoProfessional Services Limited, the latter of which had two Russians and two Ukrainians who were working at its site arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal mining.

The Ministry, during a tour, found soldiers present at the mining company sparking investigations into possible military involvement into illegal mining.

On Monday, July 10 the Ministry published the list of companies covered by the Memorandum of Understanding.

There are also eight other mining companies and mining groups that have their own agreements with the Ghana Army.

Source: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com