Madam Nyonkopa Daniels, Executive Director of Peace Watch Ghana, has issued a powerful call for the government to take decisive and forceful action against illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5’s “Frontline” with host Kwabena Agyapong, she emphasized that the “reset agenda” promised by President John Dramani Mahama must prioritize the fight against galamsey, as it constitutes a profound threat to human life.
Madam Daniels expressed her deep concern about the involvement of foreign nationals in these illegal activities, labeling it as a particularly unfortunate development.
She warned of a dire future where Ghana might be forced to import water due to the widespread destruction of its water bodies by illegal miners. According to her, these activities are also severely impacting the livelihoods of people in affected communities.
She noted the significant financial burden on the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), which is forced to spend more to treat water for public consumption. Furthermore, she highlighted the broader public health crisis posed by galamsey, citing a surge in kidney-related illnesses and an alarming increase in the birth of deformed babies.
Madam Daniels did not mince words, stating that illegal miners are criminals causing immense damage to the nation and must be held accountable. “The illegal mining activities are being used to destroy our reserves. Those involved are criminals and must be treated as such,” she asserted. She also called for the regularisation of small-scale mining to prevent it from degenerating into illegal practices.
She underscored the critical need for Ghanaians to put aside partisan politics and unite in support of all genuine efforts to combat illegal mining.
Madam Daniels conveyed her confidence in President Mahama’s ability to address this issue and urged the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to support the government’s efforts rather than politicise the matter.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
