Mr. Yaw Obeng Manu, Editor of the Ghanaian Publisher Newspaper, has urged Ghanaians across the globe to support the government in its fight against the menace of illegal mining in the country.
According to him, Ghanaians cannot sit unconcerned and watch a couple of illegal miners destroy the environment for the larger populace.
“In all, I think the move by the government and the sector minister to fight ‘galamsey’ is the right one. All Ghanaians must support this fight because persons involved in ‘galamsey’ cannot be up to 100,000. Voters in Odododiodio alone are more than this number. So, why should we allow these ‘galamseyers’ try to destroy the country and cost us a lot of money.”
Yaw Manu
Mr. Manu further lamented that illegal mining activities have destroyed various water bodies in the country. He added that some water bodies are not even safe for use again.
“Water bodies from which one could drink directly from in the past have now been poisoned from illegal mining. Streams have now been discolored with aquatic life being lost. Anyone who drinks directly from streams now will end up in the hospital.”
Yaw Manu
All citizens are responsible in the fight
The Editor averred that every citizen is equally as responsible for this environmental harm as illegal miners themselves. He noted that instead of the culture of silence and petty partisan politics,;each and every Ghanaian must speak up and support the government in its fight against ‘galamsey’.
“We are all responsible for the ‘galamsey’ menace. Chiefs, local authorities and the locals are fully aware of the persons involved in the illegality but choose to keep silent.
“We will destroy our future and leave nothing for the next generation if we keep on talking about the NPP and NDC. The fight against ‘galamsey’ is a collective effort. If we’re not vigilant and act like we need to do in ending the ‘galamsey’ menace, Ghana will face severe problems in the future.”
Yaw Manu
One of the most significant issue in Ghana today revolves around the question of how to address illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’. Recently the government led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources organized a national dialogue on the way forward in addressing this menace, with the sector minister suspending prospecting licenses soon after.
With all these initiatives being undertaken, Ghanaians are hopefully the menace will end with environmental restoration becoming the government’s next priority.
President reiterates quest to fight galamsey
The President, Nana Akufo-Addo, recently reiterated his quest to fight illegal mining through to the end. He indicated that although the measures being outlined to curb the issue is being threatened,;he will expend his capacity and power to end risk associated with ‘galamsey’. Also
President Akufo-Addo speaking about the polluted water bodies said measures will be put in place to ensure the next generations are not deprived of natural resources.
Meanwhile, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor,;is on a two-day working tour of the Western Region to engage stakeholders to also inspect some sites. These are forms part of the efforts by the government to curb illegal mining in the country.
