By Regina Benneh, GNA
Sunyani, (Bono) April 29, GNA – The Right Reverend Kwaku Effah, the Methodist Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese, has called on traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, media and the civil society community to remain formidable in the nationwide fight against illegal mining.
He said the government required a strong force to stem the menace, saying that “We must all come on board collectively to fight galamsey and protect the nation’s rich land, water bodies vegetative, and forest covers for environmental sustainability”.
In an interview with the media on the sidelines of the 47th Annual Synod of the diocese in Sunyani, Rt Rev Effah bemoaned the devastating impact of illegal mining on farmlands, urging collective efforts to stem the menace.
“Galamsey activities are destroying vast stretches of arable land across the country, depriving farmers of their source of livelihood”.
The synod was on the theme: “Walking in the word: Equipped for every good work”.
Rt Rev Effah stressed that Ghana was largely an agrarian economy, worrying that the continuous destruction of farmlands and water bodies threatened national food security.
He said: “As a farming nation destroying our arable lands and farms may result in food shortage, food contamination, and ultimately bring hunger and serious health troubles to the citizenry”.
Rt Rev Effah noted that the use of mercury and other toxic chemicals in galamsey activities polluted water bodies that served as sources of irrigation for farming communities.
He regretted that the cocoa and cashew sectors as well as other crops in the Bono Region and the nation by extension had been severely affected by illegal mining.
“The future of our children depends largely on the decisions we take today and so if we lose our lands, we lose our food, our water, and our health,” he stated.
Rt Rev Effah said: “We need to condemn galamsey until the menace is stemmed and to preserve our forest reserves and natural resources”.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Regina Benneh
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