The echoes of a recent tragedy—the August 6 military aircraft disaster that claimed the lives of eight government officials on a crucial mining assignment in Obuasi have resonated deeply across
Ghana.
In the wake of this profound loss a powerful voice from traditional authority has risen in a plea that is both desperate and resolute:
The Chief of Denanase in the Ashanti Region, Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsa II is urging President Mahama to declare a state of emergency to combat illegal mining or risk a continuous futile struggle.Speaking to the correspondent in an exclusive interview on August 20th Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsa II who also holds the esteemed title of Atenehene of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II minced no words.
He asserted that President Mahama’s commendable efforts to abolish illegal mining, locally known as galamsey would ultimately be in vain if he failed to enforce the state of emergency measures.
The chief’s blunt assessment of the situation stems from a deeply held belief that Ghanaians are hard to approach them with a simple to get rid of environmental destructions.For him, the severity of the crisis demands an equally severe and uncompromising response to curb the widespread pollution of water bodies and deforestation.
Environmental destructions in the country through illegal mining is getting off hands, Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsa II lamented emphasizing that it is through only decisive measures that could end galamsey once and for all.
His frustration was palpable as he reflected on the tragic loss of the eight government officials.
Why can’t President John Dramani Mahama find a solution to end this menace in the memory of the eight government officials who lost their lives through the aircraft crash he questioned.
Nana’s words is a poignant challenge to the nation’s leadership.
The chief appealed directly to President Mahama to transcend partisan politics and take bold, non-negotiable steps.
Saying put behind political affiliation and take decisive measures that could discourage potential galamsey operators from further destruction of the country’s forest reserves and water bodies.
Nana Boakye Yiadom advise highlight the existential threat posed by the rampant illegal mining activities.
He drew a direct and alarming link between the proliferation of galamsey and the escalating health crisis in the country.
He underscored that many diseases that have been plaguing communities are directly attributable to drinking water polluted with chemicals through the activities of illegal miners.
His final warning served as a chilling premonition: I urge President John Dramani Mahama to speed up these measures before the country imports water apart from the potential sicknesses on people as a result of galamsey before it is too late.
Nana Boakye Yiadom II image attached
