By Emmanuel Gamson
Takoradi, Oct. 09, GNA – The Western Nzema Youth League (WNYL), a youth group, has called on the government to take decisive action against illegal mining (galamsey) activities, to safeguard the country’s natural resources for current and future generations.
Dr Patrick Ekye Kwesie, the Leader of the WNYL, who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the galamsey menace had wreaked havoc on water bodies and forest reserves, leaving them in a deplorable state, adding that Ghana’s natural resources were under siege, and the time for action was now.
He said: “Despite numerous promises and discussions, the situation continued to deteriorate, threatening not only our environment but also the livelihoods of countless citizens who depend on these resources.”
“The consequences of galamsey are dire. Rivers that once flowed with clean water are now polluted, endangering aquatic life and the health of communities,” he stated.
Dr Kwesie said forests, which served as vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, were being decimated, exacerbating climate change and reducing efforts to combat its effects.
“The rhetoric surrounding this issue has been plentiful, but tangible action remains elusive,” he added.
He, therefore, called on President John Dramani Mahama to take a bold step and declare a State of Emergency on galamsey, a declaration, Dr Kwesie noted, would signal a commitment to restoring the environment and protecting Ghana’s future.
He said he believed the declaration of a State of Emergency on galamsey would also enable the government to mobilise resources, enforce stricter regulations, and engage communities in sustainable practices.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/ Christabel Addo