Galamsey has become one of the country’s most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges.
While mining is a significant contributor to the national economy, the unregulated and illicit nature of galamsey presents a myriad of risks that cannot be ignored.
The government must intensify its fight against galamsey due to the devastating environmental consequences, threats to public health, economic losses and the deterioration of law and order.
Accordingly, Richard Ahiagbah, the National Director of Communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party, has affirmed that the government has made significant and bold efforts to mitigate the galamsey menace.
He emphasized that the current undesirable state of Ghana’s water bodies should not be attributed to a lack of government effort or commitment in the fight against galamsey but rather to the entrenched nature of illegal mining and its deeply rooted economic and political dimensions.
“There are three verities to note in the fight to defeat galamsey…It threatens our collective future. The NDC has been fueling galamsey through their counter-political messaging around the galamsey menace for votes. Just look at the NDC video below.”
There are three verities to note in the fight to defeat gamalsey....
1. It threatens our collective future;
2. The government has put in bold efforts to defeat or mitigate the galamsey menace. Therefore, the current undesirable state of our water bodies is not due to the lack… pic.twitter.com/Q0KFDwtqDJ— Richard Ahiagbah (@RAahiagbah) September 30, 2024
Ahiagbah pointed out that while the government has taken proactive measures including regulatory enforcement, military interventions and promoting alternative livelihoods through community mining programs but the fight against galamsey remains a multifaceted challenge.
He emphasized that addressing this issue requires continuous engagement with local communities, traditional authorities and other stakeholders.
He stressed that despite these complexities, the government remains steadfast in restoring the country’s water bodies and protecting the environment for future generations.
However, Richard Ahiagbah’s stance stands in contrast to the government’s position as President Akufo-Addo is currently facing criticism for seemingly ignoring the issue despite widespread public outcry.
Furthermore, Richard Ahiagbah asserted that attributing a significant portion of the blame to the opposition National Democratic Congress for the current state of Ghana’s water bodies is merely stating the obvious.
He argued that the NDC’s political maneuvering and inconsistent messaging around the galamsey issue has undermined efforts to effectively combat illegal mining.
“But beyond the NDC sabotage, Dr. Bawumia plans to integrate the Chiefs, open more community mining and empower District Inspectorates in mining communities to guard, regulate and prevent irresponsible or illegal mining.”
Accordingly, the NPP Communications Director stressed Ghanaians must vote for the NPP in the upcoming December elections to ensure victory in the fight against galamsey.
The avid Communicator is confident that with collective resolve and right leadership, it is possible to overcome the galamsey menace and build a more sustainable future for all Ghanaians.
He noted that the next NPP administration under Bawumia will not only continue the battle but will also effectively curb the illegal mining.
Ahiagbah emphasized that under Bawumia’s leadership, there will be a renewed focus on implementing sustainable solutions and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders including local communities and traditional authorities.
Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected]
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