The Ghana Health Sector Associations and Unions on Galamsey has called on President Akufo- Addo to as a matter of urgency ban all small- scale mining operations in the country.
A statement signed by the Joint unions on Friday September 6, 2024, warned government on the unchecked destruction of forest reserves, water bodies and grave threats posed to public health and Ghana’s ecosystem by individuals and organizations engaged in unethical and illegal mining (Galamsey).
“The survival of our forests, water bodies, and ecosystems is directly linked to the survival of our people. It is imperative that the government acts now, without delay, to safeguard the future of our dear nation Ghana.”
“As health professionals, we are duty-bound to advocate for the health and safety of the public. We therefore urge the President of the Republic of Ghana to take these necessary and urgent actions to halt the Galamsey menace which threatens the future and the very survival of this country.”
The Union in their release stated that, “allegations that some political and traditional leaders are directly or indirectly involved in
these acts of sabotage against the nation have become rampant and the apparent lax in law enforcement by the agencies entrusted with this responsibility gives credence to the allegations of they being complicit in Galamsey activities in Ghana.”
The unions and associations making this appeal include the Ghana Medical Association , the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA), and the Health Services Workers Union of Ghana (TUC).
Other signatories to the statement include; the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU), the Mortuary Workers’ Association of Ghana (MOWAG), the Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anesthetists (GACRA), the Health Accounting Staff Association (HASAG), and the Ghana Physician Assistants Association (GPAA).
See the full statement below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kY4Rc6X_vnHVl-gTWIMPzkywO25FjsRc/view
