Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
In a forceful press conference, the Coalition Against Galamsey (CAG) has launched a scathing critique of the Ghanaian government's handling of illegal mining, calling for immediate and decisive action to address the environmental and economic devastation caused by galamsey.
Led by Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, the coalition expressed deep disappointment with President's recent statements, arguing that they inadvertently legitimize environmental terrorism and undermine years of efforts to combat illegal mining.
The organization highlighted catastrophic environmental impacts, including:
- Pollution of water bodies serving over 20 million people
- Destruction of approximately 50 forest reserves
- Severe damage to productive farmlands
- Potential long-term climate risks
Most alarmingly, the Ghana Water Company Limited is seeking a staggering 280% water tariff increase directly attributed to mining pollution. Multiple water treatment plants, including Bunso and Kyebi, are operating at minimal capacity or completely shut down.
The CAG presented a comprehensive 11-point demand list, including:
1. Declaring a state of emergency in galamsey-affected regions
2. Establishing clear government milestones and timelines
3. Dismissing municipal leaders who fail to control illegal mining
4. Providing adequate resources to the National Illegal Mining Monitoring Secretariat (NAIMOS)
5. Empowering police to consistently enforce anti-galamsey regulations
6. Prosecuting high-profile individuals involved in illegal mining
The coalition emphasized that employment arguments cannot justify environmental destruction, calling for zero tolerance towards illegal mining practices.
They also demanded transparency, requesting the government to:
- Publish water quality metrics
- Register all excavators
- Reveal names of excavator owners
- Stop foreign involvement in illegal mining
Dr. Ashigbey concluded with a powerful statement: "We will not accept a future where we cannot afford water because our leaders lacked the courage to stop those destroying it."
The press statement represents a critical moment in Ghana's ongoing battle against illegal mining, challenging the government to take immediate and comprehensive action.