Galamsey Menace: Ken Ashigbey Calls for regular Presidential Updates

Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Engineer Ken Ashigbey, has expressed deep concerns over President Akufo-Addo’s silence regarding the ongoing fight against illegal mining, also known as Galamsey.

At a press conference during Africa Water Week 2024, Ing. Ashigbey emphasized the need for President Akufo-Addo to provide leadership by regularly updating the public on the government’s efforts in combating the pressing issue.

Critiquing the government’s response to both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Galamsey crisis, Ing. Ashigbey noted a stark contrast in urgency and action.

“It is sad that, as we speak, his excellency the President has forgotten about what he did when COVID hit us. How many people did we lose in Ghana over COVID. How many? I’m not sure how many people have been lost to Galamsey, even those who just fall into the pits and die. You know why? We’re not hearing anything about it” he noted.

Ken Ashigbey highlighted the severe consequences of Galamsey on water sources, describing it as a significant crisis that threatens public health and environmental safety. He raised alarming concerns about the high levels of toxicity found in affected areas, which have dire implications for local communities.

He also pointed out that political parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have failed to respond adequately to calls for action against illegal mining, often citing concerns over illicit funding.

Ing. Ashigbey urged Ghanaians to adopt a more proactive stance against illegal mining and called on journalists and civil society organizations to hold the government accountable by asking tough questions. He emphasized that collective action is essential in addressing this environmental crisis.

Coordinator for Africa Water Justice Network, Leonard Shan-Quartey, in his remarks emphasized the importance of water justice and the need to address the challenges that hinder access to clean water. He noted that many water-related issues stem from policies made at global meetings dominated by large corporations, which often exclude citizen voices.

Shan-Quartey criticized the extreme financialization of water resources, prioritizing profits over public interests. He plans to raise critical questions at the upcoming meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, to advocate for greater inclusion of community voices in decision-making processes.

Meanwhile, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Extractive Governance led by the Executive Director of Revenue Mobilization Africa (RMA), Geoffrey Kabutey Ocansey, called on the government to repeal legislative instruments permitting mining in forest reserves and near water bodies. They urged immediate action to protect Ghana’s natural resources from further degradation due to illegal mining practices.

By Derick Botsyoe || ghananewsonline.com.gh