How dare we allow this? – Ken Ashigbey blasts nation’s failure to stop galamsey
Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr Ken Ashigbey, has criticised the continued failure to stop galamsey, saying the country has not honoured those who died while fighting the menace.
Dr Ken Ashigbey, leader of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, has harshly criticized the government's continued inability to halt galamsey, expressing outrage that the country has not honored the victims who perished in the battle against illegal mining. His remarks come a year after eight people, including senior military and government officials, lost their lives in a helicopter crash during a galamsey-related event.
Ashigbey contends that the destruction of water bodies and ongoing illegal mining activities, one year after the tragedy, raise serious doubts about Ghana's dedication to combating the menace. He highlighted a police station positioned near a river where galamsey is ongoing as proof of the government's failure, questioning how such a situation could persist after the deaths of officials fighting the issue.
He cited an instance of illegal mining along the Bekwai road, emphasizing that despite assurances to address the problem, the perpetrators continue to operate openly without facing consequences. Ashigbey also pointed to mining activities along the road from Bonsu through Enyinem to Osino, describing them as brazen and in plain sight.
The situation has left him questioning whether Ghanaians have truly paid tribute to the victims. He cited the wife of the Deputy Director General of NADMO, who suggested that the nation should "bow our heads in shame" given the ongoing illegal mining. Ashigbey also questioned the effectiveness of government promises to intensify the fight against illegal mining, particularly the commitment to regularly publish water quality results.
However, he noted that the failure to do so prevents citizens from knowing the true state of the water they consume.
Ashigbey pointed to the closed water treatment plant in Kyebi as a direct result of the poor water quality caused by illegal mining, noting that the turbidity of the water makes operation impossible. He concluded that Ghana has not honored those who died fighting illegal mining, stating that the ongoing issue indicates a lack of genuine commitment to the cause.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
