The Convener for the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey has expressed frustration over the government’s perceived reluctance to effectively tackle illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey has criticized the government’s lack of action despite the ongoing destruction of water bodies and forest reserves caused by the illegal activity. He compared the environmental damage to the work of terrorists, calling for immediate and decisive intervention.
He urged Organised Labour to ignore President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s request to delay their planned protest against galamsey, scheduled for October 10. He argued that the severe environmental damage caused by galamsey demands urgent action and cannot be postponed.
He questioned whether the government would ask for patience if the situation was a terrorist attack suggesting that the reason for the delay might be because some individuals are benefiting from the illegal activities.
He stressed the need for timely action, describing the situation as an “ecocide.” He called for regular updates from the government on the steps being taken to combat illegal mining, similar to the updates provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Akufo-Addo had earlier appealed to Organised Labour to reconsider their strike plans, reiterating his commitment to addressing their concerns regarding galamsey. The president made this appeal during a closed-door meeting with Organised Labour on October 3, where they discussed the urgent need for action to combat the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
