The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has expressed disappointment in President John Dramani Mahama’s response to reasons why he has not declared a state of emergency against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
A statement issued by the Coalition said the current government’s approach towards the fight against galamsey is nothing to write home about.
According to the statement, President Mahama failed to convey the urgency required in the fight to rid this country of unprecedented environmental terrorism.
The Coalition indicated President Mahama’s posture downplayed the severity of the crisis.
It lamented that ongoing illegal mining activities have led to the pollution of over 60% of water bodies with heavy metals, the displacement of farmers of both cash and food crops, and the devastation of our forest reserves.
The statement added, “His withdrawal of police forces and accusation that they cannot distinguish legal from illegal miners is misplaced. The IGP’s men, though not perfect, were fearless and had brought the situation under control. We challenge the Presidency to name a single licensed small-scale mining entity that is mining responsibly on the ground. We welcome NAIMOS, but have we resourced them sufficiently to deal decisively as needed? His statement that alternatives must be provided before chasing miners is compared to justifying and emboldening illegality. This is not the leadership expected for a country facing environmental suicide, contaminated cocoa exports, and rising health crises now and for our newborns.”
The Coalition further disagreed with the proposal for a targeted state of emergency on grounds that a targeted state of emergency will not solve the problem.
”Finally, we disagree entirely with the President on the position of government regarding calls for a targeted state of emergency, as the circumstances that prevailed when he joined civil society to demand a state of emergency before his election as President have not improved; in fact, some of the indices have worsened. The MD of GWCL reported the turbidity of the water at the Kwanyarko Water Treatment Plant to have hit 32,000 NTU, and on the day the President was speaking, the Central Regional Minister had endorsed the closure of the plant.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
