Erastus Asare Donkor, a Ghanaian journalist who is risking his life to expose the ills of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, has challenged President John Dramani Mahama to summon the courage and exercise his authority by declaring a state of emergency in the canker-prone communities.
According to him, the president must accept the call made by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey to help protect our forest reserves and water bodies.
He noted that despite efforts in dealing with illegal mining, some greedy, selfish individuals, some of whom are politically connected, are engaging in the criminal activities.
The Coalition a few days ago called on the President to declare a state of emergency in all the galamsey zones, arguing that illegal mining activities continue to devastate the environment, posing threats to lives.
Erastus Asare Donkor encouraged the government to intensify the fight against galamsey irrespective of those involved.
He disclosed that it was the desire of the Coalition to meet with the president and interact with him, but unfortunately, he has directed them to meet with the minister in charge of the environment on any matter concerning illegal mining.
Erastus Asare Donkor indicated that political leaders are afraid of dealing with their own party members who are engaging in galamsey’, and that was one of the challenges that confronted former President Akufo-Addo. He failed in dealing with his party people who engaged in galamsey. That has been the problem for government after government.
The journalist further revealed that party members across all levels are seeking unfettered access to mine at unauthorized locations, with individuals including regional chairmen, constituency chairmen, and others, desiring to engage in illegal mining activities using excavators, citing their political party’s hold on power.
He emphasised that authorities must demonstrate resolve in addressing galamsey, cracking down on perpetrators if truly committed, regardless of involvement.
”The lack of political will and the politics surrounding galamsey are undermining the fight, and we must address this. If there is political will and you are committed to fighting galamsey, why shouldn’t you deal ruthlessly with those who are destroying our water bodies and forest reserves?”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
