Engineer Ken Ashigbey, the Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has indicated that failure to execute measures to curb ‘galamsey’ is the nation’s problem in dealing with it.
Speaking during a webinar by IMANI on illegal mining, he averred that;the fight not reaching anywhere is the fact that the leaders are not taking the execution of measures as they should.
“When it comes to ‘galamsey’, fortunately we know the problem. We know the solution but the issue I would say is the problem of execution of measures;to curb it by the various leaders.”
Ken Ashigbey
He stated that the nation is not seeing the issue of illegal mining as it is supposed to.
“Unfortunately, as a country I don’t think we are seeing the issue of illegal mining as the way we are supposed to see it. Currently as we speak, if you go to the various water bodies in the central and western region, it is not good.
“And we are still sitting and all we are doing is some ministers going around doing somethings instead of finding out what the issues are. We are not doing the things that we have to do.”
Ken Ashigbey
Mr. Ashigbey further made a claim that, various political parties receive funding from this illegal activity. He then alleged that some leaders were involved in the activity.
“And we know ‘galamsey’ is funding political parties and that’s a fact. We know that and we know that there are very influential people who are involved in it. So, the thing about this fight is that, we keep on using ‘small sharks’ who are caught in the web. These big sharks who are at the back of this are left to go free.”
Ken Ashigbey
Decentralization of ‘galamsey’ fight
He indicated that, he was happy about the fact the Minister in charge has indicated that the fight against ‘galamsey’ will be decentralized.
“Because we have District Chief Executives (DCEs), we have Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs). We also have District security committee chairmen and also mining committee chairperson. This is their community and if ‘galamsey’ happens, then we will see that incompetence has become their job or they are complacent.”
Ken Ashigbey
Mr. Ashigbey said that it’s about time that, “if the nation wants to solve the issue of ‘galamsey’ we makes it a key act.” He said this will ensure that, if DCEs and MCEs and those responsible are not dealing with it, they will be replaced.
Mr Ashibey mentioned that if the nation fails to deal with those in charge and the issue itself,;the nation will in no time have to find water. He said this will be as a result of the damage the mining activities has caused to the various water bodies.
“This is an important issue and I am happy that the media has also taken it up.”
Ken Ashigbey
Mr Ashigbey called on the various CSOs, traditional leaders, religious bodies and other stakeholders to awaken and join the fight against illegal mining in the country.
Moreover, he said it’s about time the President and the Ministers in charge act on the issue because no one has been held accountable yet. Also
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