The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has launched a Red Band Campaign against illegal mining to express its displeasure with the ongoing menace which is destroying Ghana’s environment.
Members of the Coalition are therefore imploring the entire citizenry to partake in the act to send a signal to the government to address the canker which is also known as ‘galamsey’.
It has 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.
It called on the citizenry to support the campaign which begins today.
“Given the developments, we call on all Ghanaians to rally behind the Red Band Campaign beginning today, the 10th of October. This campaign, symbolized by the wearing of a red band, is a visual representation of our collective demand for immediate and decisive action against illegal mining,” portions of the statement contained.
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 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.
“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,” the statement added.
Find below the full statement issued by the Coalition here.
UTAG members vote in support of strike against galamsey on October 10
