By Emmanuel Gamson
Takoradi, Aug. 19, GNA – Mr. Christopher Adjei Boateng, a journalist, has called on authorities to act beyond words and wage a renewed war against illegal mining (galamsey) activities in forest reserves and water bodies.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he observed that the galamsey menace had eaten deep into the fabric of communities, and that the fight was not just against poverty-stricken miners but a powerful network that benefited from the illegality.
He said: “Galamsey continues to stain the conscience of our beloved country, because in my recent visits to Manso Bonteso and Yawkrom, I witnessed the painful reality of how far this menace has eaten deep into the fabric of our communities.”
He continued: “As we buried the eight officers who perished in the helicopter crash while on assignment because of illegal mining, I could not help but reflect: for whom did they lay down their lives?”
Mr. Boateng expressed worry that even in the wake of their passing, illegal mining activities remained active, adding that despite the tears and broken hearts, there were still citizens with powerful forces behind them who continued to fuel this environmental destruction.
He said: “Let us speak the truth, behind every galamsey pit, there are faceless political leaders and wealthy individuals who pull the strings.
They acquire permits, they secure lands, and then they recruit the unemployed youth as the frontline destroyers of our lands and rivers, meanwhile, these “big men” remain untouched while the poor suffer the consequences of arrests, injuries, and death.”
The journalist noted that until authorities were willing to expose and confront these kingpins, galamsey fight would remain undefeated.
Mr. Boateng, therefore, called on the government and other relevant stakeholders to rekindle commitments and devise stringent mechanisms to completely clear out forest reserves and water bodies of galamsey activities.
“If we truly love Ghana, then we must act beyond words so that the sacrifice of our fallen heroes will not be in vain,” he added.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/Benjamin Mensah