The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey says it still stands by its demands to the government to enforce the ban on all forms of small-scale mining to save Ghana’s environment from destruction.
The Coalition had asked the government to declare a state of emergency and impose a ban on all forms of small-scale mining until a lasting solution has been found to address the issue.
The Coalition, amongst other groups, individuals and Civil Society Organisations, have raised serious concerns over the increasing galamsey which has worsened the turbidity levels of water and destroyed forest reserves.
In the midst of the calls, Organised Labour, which placed similar demands before the government planned on a nationwide strike intended to commence Thursday, October 10, 2024 but suspended it few hours to the time.
According to the Coalition, although the intended strike by Organised Labour which was meant to compel the government to act on galamsey has been cancelled, it still hold by its position on the matter.
“The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey reiterates its position that it stands firm in its demand for decisive and immediate action to address the escalating crisis of illegal mining and its devastating impact on Ghana’s forests and water bodies,” the Coalition said in a statement issued Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The Coalition further stated that the release from the government indicating its readiness to engage the small-scale miners and the Ghana Armed Forces to curb the menace is not encouraging enough.
“We regrettably note that the government’s responses to these demands, as outlined in their statements thus far, significantly fall short of the expected interventions needed, leaving crucial concerns unmet.
“While some commitments have been acknowledged, they fail to fully address the core demands presented by members of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey needed to address the situation as a pressing issue of our time,” portions of the statement indicated.
You can get the full statement from the Coalition here.
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