Frank B. Adu Jr., a retired banker and member of the Ghana Anti-Galamsey Coalition, has described illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as an outright war declared on the people of Ghana.
Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, October 12, he expressed deep concern about the devastating effects of galamsey on the country's environment, water bodies, public health and the livelihoods of citizens.
Mr Adu Jr. pointed out that the reckless destruction caused by illegal mining is tantamount to an attack on the nation’s resources, leaving future generations vulnerable.
He stressed that galamsey is not just an environmental issue but a direct threat to the survival and well-being of Ghanaians.
According to him, the actions of galamsey operators, driven by greed and disregard for the law, must be seen as a national emergency.
The retired banker also criticised the government’s efforts in combating galamsey, calling them inadequate and lacking urgency.
He emphasised that while various measures have been proposed, the lack of sustained political will and enforcement has allowed illegal miners to continue their destructive activities unchecked.
Mr Adu Jr. called for more decisive actions, including stricter enforcement of laws, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring that local communities are protected.
He thus urged Ghanaians to unite in the fight against galamsey, calling for a collective effort to preserve the country's natural resources.
"Having listened to the experts on this issue and the period it will take for this damage to be repaired and the problems associated with it vis-a-vis medical problems, social problems and economic problems and while I have always fought against galamsey for the past ten years, for me now I see it as an outright war that has been declared on Ghanaians because this activity, this illegal mindless activity is wreaking havoc on us. It is a calculated genocide to benefit a few pockets," he lamented.
Latest Stories
-
Karpowership Ghana, GES and Gender Ministry encourage students to pursue TVET careers
3 mins -
U.S. and Germany launch joint initiative to prevent conflict and strengthen communities in northern Ghana
16 mins -
David Nakousi wins 2024 First National Bank Accra Marathon
56 mins -
Useless Column: ‘Enter from the back first’
1 hour -
Adansehene praises Alan Kyerematen’s pledge to review Ghana’s constitution
2 hours -
Mrs Patricia Kyerematen leads Movement for Change’s Eastern Region caravan campaign
2 hours -
KOD unveils Alan’s plan to invest in youth talent through sports and creative arts
2 hours -
Galamsey is an outright war declared on Ghanaians – Retired Banker
3 hours -
Galamsey fight: Illegal miners lack proper education on the use of Cyanide – Minerals Engineer
3 hours -
Government’s measures against galamsey grossly insufficient – Yaw Nsarkoh
3 hours -
Govt won’t declare a state of emergency over galamsey because of campaign financiers – Prof Appiagyei-Tua
4 hours -
Galamsey: 7 in 10 small-scale miners operate illegally – Dr Theo Acheampong
4 hours -
Government is just pussyfooting around galamsey fight – Felicity Nelson
4 hours -
The role of key public security agencies in combating galamsey
4 hours -
Ernesto Yeboah: I was once in Barker-Vormawor’s cell; it’s traumatizing
5 hours