In a poignant plea for action, a prominent and concerned member of the Greater Accra Regional Zongo Caucus Magajia, Hajjia Lami Ibrahim has raised alarm bells over the dire consequences of illegal mining activities in the country. As Hajjia Lami Ibrahim advocates for action, the onus is on the Npp – led Akuffo Addo/Bawumia’s government, and indeed the society as a whole to heed this urgent call for action.
We publish below, an unedited press release signed by Hajjia Lami Ibrahim, dated September 25th 2024 for public attention.
Read full details:
Date: September 25, 2024
For Immediate Release
Subject: The Devastating Impact of Illegal Mining on Ghana’s Environment and the Urgent Need for Accountability
The illegal mining crisis in Ghana has reached a devastating and unprecedented level.
Currently, 60% of our water bodies have been severely polluted, and 38 forest reserves have been depleted, causing irreversible damage to the environment. This reckless activity not only endangers our natural resources but poses a direct threat to the future of our nation.
Alarmingly, the perpetrators of these heinous acts have taken to social media platforms such as TikTok, shamelessly flaunting their illegal mining operations without fear of accountability or retribution. This disregard for law and order is a clear indication of the failure of the current NPP government to address the issue decisively.
Rather than taking the necessary steps to stop these environmental crimes, the government has resorted to targeting and punishing those who speak out against illegal mining. In a shocking display of injustice, several individuals have been remanded for merely calling for an end to galamsey. Most appallingly, a pregnant woman was recently jailed for participating in a protest aimed at saving Ghana’s environment.
The decision to jail a pregnant woman for standing up against the destruction of her country’s future is both outrageous and shameful. It demonstrates the government’s misplaced priorities and its failure to protect our land and people. At this juncture, it is fair to conclude that the NPP government has failed in its duty to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources, thereby becoming an enemy of the state.
As Ghanaians, we must ask ourselves:
Why is there no national outrage as our forests are vanishing?
Why are our rivers being poisoned without consequence?
Why are those fighting for the survival of our nation being punished, while the real culprits continue their destructive activities with impunity?
It is time for the people of Ghana to rise and demand accountability. We must refuse to accept this betrayal of our land, our future, and our children. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) stands firmly with all those who speak truth to power. We are committed to ensuring that illegal mining is stopped and that those responsible for this environmental catastrophe are held accountable.
We cannot afford to sit by while our beloved country is destroyed. We call on all Ghanaians to join the fight to protect our land, our forests, and our water bodies for future generations.
Signed:
Hajjia Lami Ibrahim
Greater Accra Regional Zongo Caucus Magajiya
Contact: 055 994 2793.
