How to resolve AdBlock issue? Dr. Ken Ashigbey Outlines Measures to Combat Illegal Mining in Ghana
Wednesday, 04 December 2024 | Ghana
Dr. Ken Ashigbey, the Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has announced a comprehensive set of measures to combat the widespread issue of illegal mining, known as galamsey, in Ghana. In an interview on the AM Show on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Dr. Ashigbey emphasized the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining and the Coalition’s unwavering commitment to fighting this crisis. He made it clear that the Coalition will not allow any individual or group to undermine their efforts to protect the country’s environment and future.
Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that illegal mining is an existential threat to Ghana’s natural resources. He explained that the environmental destruction, particularly the contamination of streams and rivers, is having a devastating impact on the country’s water supply and ecosystem. He urged political parties to unite and sign a pact to take collective action against illegal mining, pointing out that the destruction of Ghana’s environment is not a partisan issue but one that requires broad political and social consensus.
“This is an existential threat, this is us dying. Our streams are being poisoned, our environment is being destroyed. So, we need to fight it. One of the things that the Ghana Coalition has put forward, which organized labour has also supported, is the signing of the pact,” Dr. Ashigbey said.
He further explained that due to the busy campaigning schedules of the various political parties, the pact would be sent to them for signing, rather than waiting for them to sign it in person. This move, he emphasized, is crucial to ensuring that the political will is in place to tackle the galamsey menace and safeguard the country’s future.
Dr. Ashigbey also revealed that a press conference would be held on Thursday morning at the International Press Centre to discuss the importance of this pact and the involvement of various organizations, including the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). The conference will underscore the alignment of these groups in the fight against illegal mining. Furthermore, he confirmed that all political parties that sign the pact would be publicly named, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
In his call to action, Dr. Ashigbey invited other unions, associations, and organizations to join the Coalition Against Galamsey. He stressed the need for a united front in the battle against illegal mining and reiterated that the fight is essential for the survival of the nation’s natural resources.
“Any labour union that can join us like I said, UTAG is already part along with other unions, the media coalition, and various other bodies, are all part of the Coalition Against Galamsey. We will do what is necessary for our country, for our very existence,” he concluded.
The fight against galamsey has become a critical issue in Ghana, with the widespread practice causing severe environmental damage, including deforestation, pollution of water bodies, and the destruction of agricultural lands. Dr. Ashigbey’s call for a united front reflects the urgency with which this problem needs to be addressed to safeguard Ghana’s future.
Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that illegal mining is an existential threat to Ghana’s natural resources. He explained that the environmental destruction, particularly the contamination of streams and rivers, is having a devastating impact on the country’s water supply and ecosystem. He urged political parties to unite and sign a pact to take collective action against illegal mining, pointing out that the destruction of Ghana’s environment is not a partisan issue but one that requires broad political and social consensus.
“This is an existential threat, this is us dying. Our streams are being poisoned, our environment is being destroyed. So, we need to fight it. One of the things that the Ghana Coalition has put forward, which organized labour has also supported, is the signing of the pact,” Dr. Ashigbey said.
He further explained that due to the busy campaigning schedules of the various political parties, the pact would be sent to them for signing, rather than waiting for them to sign it in person. This move, he emphasized, is crucial to ensuring that the political will is in place to tackle the galamsey menace and safeguard the country’s future.
Dr. Ashigbey also revealed that a press conference would be held on Thursday morning at the International Press Centre to discuss the importance of this pact and the involvement of various organizations, including the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). The conference will underscore the alignment of these groups in the fight against illegal mining. Furthermore, he confirmed that all political parties that sign the pact would be publicly named, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
In his call to action, Dr. Ashigbey invited other unions, associations, and organizations to join the Coalition Against Galamsey. He stressed the need for a united front in the battle against illegal mining and reiterated that the fight is essential for the survival of the nation’s natural resources.
“Any labour union that can join us like I said, UTAG is already part along with other unions, the media coalition, and various other bodies, are all part of the Coalition Against Galamsey. We will do what is necessary for our country, for our very existence,” he concluded.
The fight against galamsey has become a critical issue in Ghana, with the widespread practice causing severe environmental damage, including deforestation, pollution of water bodies, and the destruction of agricultural lands. Dr. Ashigbey’s call for a united front reflects the urgency with which this problem needs to be addressed to safeguard Ghana’s future.