A non-governmental organization, the Resource Foundation, has called on the government to declare a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The organization believes this is the only way to mobilize the necessary resources and demonstrate the level of urgency required to address the crisis.
The Menace of Galamsey
Illegal mining activities have severely polluted key rivers in the Western North Region, including the Bia, Tano, Sui, and Ankobra.
This has left many communities without access to clean and safe water, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment.
The Resource Foundation has expressed concern that no river in the Western North Region remains clear due to the scale of destruction caused by galamsey.
A Call to Action
The Executive Coordinator of the Resource Foundation, Mr. Elliot Mensah, has called on the government to take decisive action to address the crisis.
“The fight against illegal mining is directly linked to the development of the nation,” he said. “We need to take bold steps to protect our environment and public health.”
Recommendations
The Resource Foundation has recommended that the government:
– Declare a state of emergency in the fight against galamsey
– Restrict or regulate the importation of galamsey equipment into Ghana
– Create alternative livelihood programs, particularly job opportunities for the youth in agriculture, supported with seed capital
A National Security Threat
Mr. Mensah described galamsey as a threat not only to the environment but also to national security. “The country has already lost eight heroes in a recent helicopter crash,” he said. “We cannot afford to lose more lives and livelihoods to galamsey.”
A Wake-Up Call
The Resource Foundation’s call for a state of emergency is a wake-up call for the government to take decisive action.
The fight against galamsey requires urgent attention and action. But will the government heed the call?
