Media Coalition Against Galamsey issues 2-week ultimatum for government to find urgent solutions

The Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has issued a two-week ultimatum for government to find urgent solutions to the illegal mining menace, or risk nationwide demonstrations.

Illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, has taken hold, ravaging the environment, poisoning waterbodies, and enslaving communities.

With each passing day, the devastation worsens; with lands degraded, forests razed, rivers polluted, aquatic life exterminated, miners exploited, and lives lost.

The Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining is sounding the alarm, incensed by the government’s inaction as the cancer spreads.

President of the Ghana Journalist Association and member of the coalition, Albert Dwumfour highlighted their demands.

He said; “The President must declare a state of emergency over our water bodies & get the military to clear everyone found on the water bodies (mining on the water bodies is illegal). All planned and active mining concessions overlapping with river buffers should be abrogated and all mining activities within 100 meters buffer of all rivers and streams should be halted immediately by the President. Failure of which the President must implement the full force of Act 995 without fear or favour of political colour and status in society.

Almost all water bodies take their sources from the forest reserves, so all entry permits given to mine in protected globally significant biodiversity areas (GSBAs) must also be abrogated Repeal L.I 2462 immediately.  All the Presidential Candidates of the political parties vying for elections should publicly declare their total support for this crisis response.”

Briefing the press, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Reverend Matthew Gyamfi explained, that Ghanaians can no longer tolerate the lip service of government in the fight against corruption.

“We urge government to stop the lip service in fighting galamsey by employing all available means to halt illegal mining activities. This includes enforcing existing laws, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring that those involved in illegal mining face the full force of the law without fear or favour.”

“We urge the government to prioritize the reclamation of destroyed lands and the restoration of polluted water bodies. This process must involve local communities, led by the Chiefs and be transparent to ensure the recovery of the environment. We recommend strongly, a temporary moratorium on all licensed community mining activities,” he said.

Convener of the Group, Kenneth Ashigbey, says the group will embark of a series of demonstrations and strikes, if government does not act with urgency.

As the coalition cries foul, one question echoes: Will Ghana’s leaders heed the warning, or will the lure of gold sacrifice a nation’s future?

 

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