A house divided against itself cannot stand, and neither can a nation that ravages its own land. Unity and action are needed to preserve our future.
The earth has music for those who listen. But will we hear its cries before its too late, or will we continue to silence its voice with greed and neglect?
Galamsey, the illegal mining that devastates our environment, is a crisis that we can no longer afford to ignore.
The notion that shooting to kill can solve this issue is not only misguided but also represents a deep moral failure. Such draconian measures will not alleviate the root causes of this menace. If violence were an effective solution, we would have eliminated not just galamsey but other crimes like armed robbery long ago.
Due to hunger, poverty, and a lack of other sources of income, desperate young men and women in the Galamsey crisis turn to illegal mining. Employees frequently consider themselves to be their families’ primary provider. To assist these people in moving away from galamsey, it is imperative to address the underlying problems and offer lasting alternatives. Powerful politicians and businessmen are involved in corruption, which makes matters worse. Since the Battle of Galamsey, we have never apprehended a financier. When we are unable to capture all of these financiers, we will continue to joke. The fight against galamsey is fruitless as long as the financiers who fund these illicit operations escape penalized. Arresting workers would not solve the problem; it is critical to catch those who fund and profit from such activities. Until the masterminds are held accountable, galamsey will continue, and efforts to resist it will be only propaganda.
The National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party are complicit in allowing the practice to flourish while feigning to address it. This puts political survival ahead of the welfare of the community and the environment and erodes the political will to fight galamsey.
The documentary “POISON FOR GOLD” by Erastu Asare Donkor starkly reveals the heartlessness and greed embedded in this industry. It illuminates the harrowing reality: our fellow citizens are sacrificing our health and the health of future generations for short-term gains. This cannot go on. We must ask ourselves how we have become so blind to our collective responsibility to preserve our environment and protect our people. Ghanaians are not angry eneogh.
The current government’s efforts to curb this menace have been largely inadequate. After promising to repeal Legislative Instrument 2462 within the first 120 days, we find ourselves still waiting, voiceless in the face of ecological devastation. Calls from various sectors for a state of emergency in affected areas have fallen on deaf ears. This neglect speaks volumes about the lack of genuine commitment to resolving this crisis.
The current administration has at least called out two of its own to be investigated: Yamin and Abanga, who, unlike the previous leadership, do not see or hear evil. However, we are still awaiting the results of the EOCO investigation.
Professor Frimpong Boateng’s report contains critical information but has been disregarded, dismissed, neglected, ignored, rejected and overlooked by former president Akuffo Addo. Last year, peaceful Democracy Hub demonstrators were manhandled, arrested, and detained just for demanding accountability to stop galamsey. Are we serious in this country?
Prior to the 2024 election, leaders like Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang outlined measures to stop illicit mining from causing harm to water bodies. However, a workable solution, including a 24-hour economy policy and legally binding legislation, must be sought immediately.
Consumers are increasingly at danger from polluted vegetables and fish infected with mercury and other toxic substances from unlawful mining operations. The consequences for public health are grave, and babies are born with abnormalities. Communities are in constant fear of the consequences of their surroundings. The ongoing disaster endangers men, women, children, and pregnant women, but those profiting from this farce show a disturbing contempt for human life. The government and civil society must engage in education and training programs to provide young people with skills for lawful jobs, as well as develop an environmental stewardship culture that stresses safeguarding land and resources for future generations.
To combat illegal mining, we must enforce laws, impose stricter penalties, prioritize transparency, engage communities and go for the kingpins. Empowering local populations and establishing watchdog groups can help protect resources. Some media persons and law enforcement officers are allegedly receiving bribes or supporting illegal miners. This is very scary.
But Lance Corporal Solomon Asare Teye-Tsu, the young Ghanaian soldier who was recently honoured and promoted by the Ghana Armed Forces for his patriotic act of rejecting a bribe to permit illegal mining at the Bibiani Gold Mines. That means we still have few honest persons out there.
The fight against galamsey is not just about environmental protection; it’s about defending our collective future and demanding justice.
The storm may rage on, but we must steady the ship. Let us chart a new course, one that prioritizes our environment and our people.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let us take that step today, and work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.
The last tree cut down will be remembered long after the last politician is forgotten. Let us act now to preserve our future, and hold our leaders accountable for the legacy they leave behind.
The earth has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed. Let us prioritize need over greed and work towards a sustainable future.
