King Amoah, reporting from Sekondi, W/R.
In recent years, the illegal mining phenomenon known as ‘galamsey’ has emerged as a pressing issue in Ghana, wreaking havoc on the environment, economy, and the health of local communities.
Kweku Mensah, a concerned resident of Sekondi in the Western Region, has added his voice to the growing chorus advocating for immediate and decisive action against these destructive practices.
In an interview he suggests that the government declare a state of emergency regarding galamsey activities to mitigate the escalating environmental crisis.
Galamsey, a term derived from the phrase “gather them and sell,” refers to informal, often illegal mining operations that proliferate across the expansive gold-rich territories of Ghana.
While these activities may promise economic opportunities for some, they come at a severe cost, he observed .
According to estimates, Mensah said thousands of small-scale illegal miners engage in galamsey, leading to alarming rates of deforestation, pollution of water bodies, and loss of biodiversity.
The negative consequences extend beyond environmental degradation. Communities that rely on clean water for drinking and agriculture suffer as rivers and streams become contaminated with mercury and other harmful chemicals used in the extraction of gold.
According to Mensah the once-lush landscapes of the Western Region are transforming into barren wastelands as galamsey operations strip the earth of its resources.
Kweku Mensah’s advocacy for a state of emergency reflects a deep urgency felt by many in affected regions.
He hunted that by declaring a state of emergency, the government can implement strict measures to combat illegal mining activities and enforce environmental protection laws.
This approach would bolster regulatory frameworks, allowing for increased surveillance and enforcement against illegal miners.
A state of emergency would also facilitate collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and non-governmental organizations, he pointed out.
.Such partnerships he added are crucial for developing sustainable alternatives for livelihood for those who depend on galamsey for their income.
Mensah opined that declaring a state of emergency on galamsey activities is not merely an option; it is an imperative.
It is essential for protecting Ghana’s natural resources, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring the health and well-being of current and future generations.
The time to act is now. The environment, and indeed the people of Ghana, are counting on decisive action to put an end to the scourge of illegal mining once and for all, the young man concluded.
