23/09/2024
GREEN HHANA COOPERATION
Statement on Galamsey
Date: 22 September 2024
Good morning, distinguished members of the press, stakeholders, and fellow citizens. Thank you for joining us today for this urgent and crucial press conference. We are here to address the escalating and destructive consequences of illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, which continue to threaten the integrity of our water bodies, lands, and the well-being of our communities.
Over the past years, the galamsey menace has grown into a national emergency that jeopardizes the health of our environment and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians. Our rivers, streams, and farmlands—lifelines for agriculture and water supply—are being poisoned by toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide. The devastation is not only environmental but also social, as communities dependent on these water sources now face shortages and long-term health risks.
This destructive practice is tearing apart the nature of rural Ghana, leaving behind pollution, poverty, and social unrest in gold-rich areas. Yet, despite numerous interventions and promises by various governments, illegal mining continues to thrive, often aided by powerful interests, including those in high positions.
At Green Ghana Cooperation, we believe that this crisis demands immediate, decisive, and sustained action from the highest levels of government. We call on the government to:
- Deploy a robust security presence in affected areas to halt ongoing illegal mining operations.
- Enforce strict regulations and penalties for both individuals and companies found to be involved in galamsey.
- Ensure the restoration of polluted water bodies and damaged lands through targeted interventions.
- Create alternative livelihoods for those dependent on galamsey activities, so they are not left destitute as mining operations cease.
It is imperative that the government treats this issue with the urgency it deserves. Our natural resources, once degraded, will take generations to recover, and the longer we wait, the deeper the damage will be.
In addition, Green Ghana Cooperation calls on the chiefs, opinion leaders, and community authorities in the areas where galamsey is most prevalent. These traditional leaders hold significant influence over their people and must rise to the occasion in this critical moment.
We urge them to speak out and work in partnership with the government to protect their lands and water bodies from further destruction. This is not just an issue of environmental conservation; it is about the very survival and dignity of the communities they lead.
We must also remind those in leadership positions that turning a blind eye to these activities or, worse, benefiting from them is a betrayal of the trust that has been placed in them by their people. It is time for these leaders to align themselves with the interests of their communities and the future of Ghana.
The galamsey menace is a clear and present danger to our environment, our economy, and our national heritage. We, at Green Ghana Cooperation, are prepared to support any and all measures that will curb this crisis and ensure the sustainable management of our natural resources. But this fight cannot be won by a few individuals or organizations alone. It requires a united front, with government, traditional leaders, and civil society working hand in hand.
Let us all take a stand against galamsey, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. The time for action is now. We will not sit idly by while our environment is destroyed.
Save Ghana Now!
