Galamsey: President Mahama told to declare a state of emergency
Ghana is grappling with the escalating crisis of illegal small-scale gold mining, commonly known as "galamsey," which has led to severe environmental degradation, particularly the pollution of vital water bodies and destruction of forest reserves. In response to this pressing issue, various stakeholders have called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency to combat the menace effectively.
Stakeholders' Call to Action
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), has been vocal in urging the government to take decisive action. He emphasized the urgency of reclaiming lands and forest reserves from illegal miners, advocating for a state of emergency to facilitate more robust interventions. Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the increasing brazenness of illegal miners, referencing incidents where journalists were assaulted, and their equipment destroyed while police officers stood by. He asserted that this situation necessitates deploying the full force of the military, including the Air Force, Navy, and Army, to secure affected areas.
The GCAG has consistently reiterated the need for a state of emergency, stressing that the severe pollution of water bodies by galamsey poses an existential threat to citizens. The coalition has called for immediate military deployment to clear illegal miners from water bodies and forest reserves, arguing that the current situation amounts to armed groups, some of whom are foreigners, controlling parts of Ghana's territory.
Environmental and Economic Impacts
The repercussions of galamsey extend beyond environmental degradation. The Ghana Water Company Limited reported alarming increases in turbidity levels at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, reaching 14,000 Nephelometric Turbidity Units, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s safe threshold of 5 NTUs for water processing.
Additionally, illegal mining activities have led to significant tax revenue losses, with the state losing approximately $2 billion annually. The practice has also disrupted the cocoa industry, as farmers abandon cocoa production for illegal gold mining, contributing to the destruction of farmlands and water pollution.
Government's Position
As of now, President Mahama has not declared a state of emergency in response to the galamsey crisis. The government's approach to tackling the issue includes deploying soldiers to destroy illegal mining equipment and implementing stricter penalties. However, enforcement remains weak due to factors such as corruption and the fear of losing electoral support in mining regions.
Conclusion
The call for a state of emergency reflects the gravity of the galamsey crisis in Ghana. The environmental destruction, economic losses, and social challenges associated with illegal mining require urgent and decisive action. As stakeholders continue to advocate for more robust measures, the government's response in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Ghana's natural resources and the well-being of its citizens.
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