Concerned Farmers give security agencies 48-Hour ultimatum to end galamsey
The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana, is giving Security Agencies in the country 48 hours to end illegal mining also known as galamsey in Ghana.
Recently, conversations have sparked up about the negative impact of illegal mining in the country.
The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) announced in the last week of August, that sixty percent of the catchment area for the source of water has become silted. The result of such high amounts of sludge is the increased turbidity of 14,000 NTU.
However, the water company is designed to work with 2,000 NTU for adequate water treatment. The company now produces 7,500 cubic meters of water daily, equating to a quarter of its potential.
Pro-environmental groups including Eco-conscious Citizens, A Rocha Ghana, and the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining have become vociferous about how the country heads for doom, should the government ignore the dire effects of galamsey.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri – Frank Annor Dompreh has come under attack for insinuating that the governing New Patriotic Party’s regime has been less culpable in galamsey activities leading to water pollution as compared to the erstwhile National Democratic Congress.
The Concerned Farmers Association, believes security agencies in the country have the power to safeguard the integrity of the environment – hence the ultimatum. The ultimatum begins on Saturday, September 7, and ends on September 9, Monday morning, urging security agencies to rise to the occasion and end galamsey. Nana Oboadi Boateng Bonsu President of the Concerned Farmers Association insists galamsey has become a threat to the environment and needs to be checked immediately.
“We cannot farm. Most of our vegetables have been contaminated, because of the poisonous substances.” Nana Oboadi disclosed to GHOne News.
He reports thousands of cocoa trees have been cut down to create a bare surface for mining.
Previous security missions to end galamsey in the country, such as Operation Halt and Operation Vanguard have not yielded the desired results, as according to Nana Oboadi, refers to them as a sham. He maintains the security forces could end the menace if they are committed to it.
