The engagement between President John Dramani Mahama and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Presidency today on illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey, has rekindled public debate about one of the gravest challenges confronting our nation.
It is important to emphasise that for years, successive governments have acknowledged the menace, set up committees, held dialogues, and launched task forces to combat the menace, yet, the problem persists, leaving in its trail devastated lands, poisoned water bodies, and broken livelihoods.
Like the cross section of Ghanaians who have expressed their sentiments on the menace, we on The Ghanaian Times believe that today’s meeting should not be another talk-shop, but must yield concrete commitments, backed by political will and practical steps to uproot the canker.
Indeed, across the country, the cry is the same. For example, in the Eastern Region, residents have recounted how the once mighty rivers Pra, Birim and Ankobra have turned brown and lifeless, laden with mercury and sand.
Farmers continue to lament over fertile lands lost to pit after pit, while traders complain about the rising cost of clean water as treatment becomes ever more expensive.
Similarly, in the Upper East, people have expressed fears that galamsey is gaining grounds, destroying fragile environments and sowing seeds of social tension.
Beyond the environmental degradation lies the more dangerous health risk. Already experts have started pointing to the increasing cases of kidney failure, neurological diseases, and other illnesses traceable to chemicals used in galamsey operations.
This silent health crisis may prove more devastating than the visible scars on the land.
Equally troubling is the social injustice at the heart of the issue. While some foreign operators are allowed to mine under questionable arrangements, poor and desperate local youth are criminalised for the same acts.
We believe that this double standard fuels resentment and undermines public trust in government’s resolve to deal with the challenge. Unless addressed, it will continue to push thousands of young men and women into the arms of galamsey financiers.
The Ghanaian Times is convinced that tackling galamsey requires a multi-pronged approach. Legislation and enforcement are necessary, but standing alone these are insufficient.
We hold the view that the state must create viable economic alternatives for the youth. Job creation, skills development and investment in sustainable livelihoods are critical to divert labour away from illegal mining.
At the same time, chiefs, traditional authorities, and opinion leaders must be actively engaged, for without community ownership, no policy can succeed. We must also acknowledge the courage of citizens who are speaking out, demanding urgent action.
Their call for a declaration of a national emergency is not misplaced. The scale of destruction warrants nothing less. The time for half-measures and empty rhetoric must be over.
Ghana cannot afford to continue watching its rivers poisoned, its lands despoiled, and its future generations robbed of their inheritance.
To this end, we urge the President, CSOs, and all stakeholders to rise above partisan and short-term interests, and forge a united, decisive front against galamsey.
Indeed, history will not forgive us if we fail to act now. We must stand up to be counted.
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