Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has voiced grave reservations over President Nana Akufo-Addo’s unmet pledge to address illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
He encouraged President Akufo-Addo to keep good on his promise to fight the threat before his tenure ends.
Speaking during the Association’s 75th-anniversary celebration in Accra on September 28 and the 28th GJA Awards, Mr Dwumfour bemoaned the terrible effects of galamsey on Ghana’s water supplies and environment.
He said the situation was “shameful,” pointing out that unlawful mining operations have degraded once-pristine water supplies in the nation to muddy, dark brown bodies.
Emphasizing that it is a national problem needing group action, Mr Dwumfour urged all Ghanaians to join in the fight against galamsey.
GJA President blasts Akuffo-Addo over failed galamsey promise
He underlined how urgently the environmental damage brought about by illicit mining needed to be addressed since it is rather serious.
The GJA president also underlined the need of rigorous application of mining laws and rules.
In order to discourage illicit mining operations and save the ecosystem for next generations, he advised authorities to apply maximum punishments on offenders.
Mr Dwumfour underlined once more the need of a coordinated effort in the battle against galamsey. He underlined that both the government and people had to cooperate to bring Ghana’s natural resources and water bodies back to its previous splendor thereby guaranteeing a sustainable future for the nation.
“Illegal mining, sometimes known as Galamsey, is currently a topical issue in the country due of its devastating effects on the environment, particularly our water bodies, which serve as major sources of drinking water.”
“All mining laws and rules should be strictly enforced without any concessions and maximum sentences should be imposed on violators. This is a consistent method for handling this problem.
“We know Mr. President promised not to allow galamsey some time ago, but sadly that pledge has not been kept.
“Mr. President, you have barely three months until the end of the government, and we are hopeful that you will handle the situation before you leave office,” he advised President Akufo-Addo.
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