The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, has called on government to intensify its efforts in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the issue threatens the very fabric of national trust, leadership, and long-term survival.
Addressing a press conference at the International Press Centre in Accra, Dr Ashigbey expressed serious concern about what he described as the government’s weakening resolve in dealing with the menace.
“The government must intensify its effort in combating galamsey and refrain from justifying it on the grounds of unemployment and revenue generation,” he charged. “There is absolutely no reason why we are failing at this.”
He stressed that the impacts of illegal mining go beyond environmental destruction, extending to public confidence in leadership.
It is not just about galamsey,” Dr Ashigbey cautioned. “It is about the citizens’ trust in the government. It is about our survival. It is about leadership and the security of our nation.”
He further accused the government of betraying the trust of Ghanaians by failing to honor its commitment to end the illegal activity.
“It is about whether the government will honor its word or continue to betray the very citizens it swore to protect,” he said.
Dr Ashigbey underscored the urgency of protecting the country’s water bodies and forest reserves, warning that inaction will have dire consequences for future generations.
“If we do not act now, the devastation will not only affect us today but will haunt our children and their children’s children,” he warned.
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