The Lead Convener of the Media Coalition against Galamsey and CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey has expressed deep disappointment over President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s failure to address the ongoing illegal mining (galamsey) crisis during the recent Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards.
Ing. Ashigbey, a fervent advocate against galamsey, lamented that the President’s silence at such a significant national event was a major blow, especially given his earlier promises to fight the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining.
In a heartfelt statement, Dr. Ashigbey recalled President Akufo-Addo’s strong commitment in 2017 when he declared his resolve to put his presidency on the line to end galamsey.
“This is the President who, when we started this fight in 2017, joined in and declared his preparedness to put his presidency on the line. This is the President who, when it came to the COVID-19 crisis, carried the entire nation along with him by constantly updating us on what was being done”.
Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Lead Convener of Media Coalition against Galamsey and Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Telecommunication
He further emphasized the importance of the occasion, stating that many award winners and attendees at the GJA event focused their attention on the critical need to halt the “genocidal crisis” posed by galamsey.
According to him, the keynote speaker, a Nigerian, even took time to comment on the devastation caused by illegal mining in Ghana, further underscoring the urgency of the situation.
For Ing. Ashigbey, the GJA President’s bold stance on the issue was a demonstration of true leadership, as he underscored the President’s authority to address and end the scourge of galamsey.
“The GJA President demonstrated so much courage and an understanding of the issue, specifically pointing out that the President is the Commander-in-Chief, and he has the power to end this scourge.
“Even if the President has any plans to deal with it, this was an opportune moment for him to tell us something, to at least acknowledge what had been said”.
Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Lead Convener of Media Coalition against Galamsey and Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Telecommunication
However, the Lead Convener of the Media Coalition against Galamsey, Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey noted with dismay that despite the platform and the critical voices raised on the night, President Akufo-Addo remained silent on the matter.
“For me, it was a major pain that His Excellency, the President, did not say anything about the environmental crisis confronting us. The silence has already been too loud, but on that night, close to midnight, it was a major blow to the heart”.
Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Lead Convener of Media Coalition against Galamsey and Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Telecommunication
Calls for Action against Galamsey
Dr Ashigbey’s frustrations are not isolated, as he pointed to the growing coalition of civil society organizations, labour unions, and professional bodies calling for action against galamsey.
He specifically mentioned the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and organized labor, all of which have aligned with the Media Coalition Against Galamsey in the fight to protect the environment.
He warned that their timeline for government action will end on the midnight of September 30, 2024, signalling a shift in strategy moving forward.
As the coalition’s timeline for action approaches its September 30, 2024, deadline, Dr Ashigbey warned that failure on the part of the government to act would compel the coalition and its partners to take matters into their own hands within the legal and democratic framework.
He reiterated that their actions would be guided by the President’s advice from his inauguration speech in January 2017, urging Ghanaians to act as citizens and not spectators.
“We are going to use every democratic and legal tool that we have in our power, taking cognizance of the fact that the Constitution puts sovereignty in the hands of we, the people,” he affirmed.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Ashigbey expressed hope that President Akufo-Addo would recognize the growing frustration among Ghanaians and take immediate steps to address the galamsey crisis.
However, he also made it clear that should the President continue to remain silent, the coalition and its partners would act to safeguard the environment and future generations.
“We will take actions that will compel him to take action to save us from this imminent danger, this existential challenge that confronts us,” Dr. Ashigbey warned.
The galamsey menace, which continues to ravage Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands, has become a national crisis, with many calling it an existential threat.
Despite various government interventions, illegal mining persists, leading to widespread environmental degradation and threatening the livelihoods of communities across the country.
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