THE MENACE OF GALAMSEY; THE THREAT TO OUR COUNTRY

I quote from the inaugural speech of the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, as he addressed the crowd that attended his investiture in 2001: “I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens building your communities and our nation.” This same statement was quoted by President Akufo-Addo in his inaugural speech in 2017 when he first took over the reins of government.

As a responsible citizen, I have observed many ills in our country, but I will talk about one major issue: Galamsey. The word Galamsey derives from “gather and sell.” Now, Galamsey is destroying our lands, water bodies, forest reserves, and more.

Ghana used to have beautiful water bodies and forest reserves, but we can’t boast of them anymore due to Galamsey. Is that not a shame as a country? President Akufo-Addo once said, “We need to preserve resources for future generations.” Oh, how my heart bleeds for the innocent child born with only three fingers due to someone’s selfish interest.

What are we doing as citizens, but not spectators, to stop this havoc? How many of us can afford to buy imported drinking water if the need arises? Arise, fellow Ghanaians, for the betterment of our country. Galamsey is causing more harm than good.

As Thomas Sankara said, “We must choose between champagne for a few or safe drinking water for all.” Over sixty percent of our water bodies have been polluted with toxic chemicals used for Galamsey. Thirty-eight forest reserves are no more due to Galamsey.

Our health is at risk due to Galamsey. Today, it’s deadly to consume bush meat from Galamsey communities. These animals drink polluted water contaminated with heavy metals like Mercury, which transits into the human system, causing deadly diseases like cancer and tumors.

Do you know that these polluted water bodies feed the sea, infecting fishes? When we consume these fishes, we become infected too. Sadly, vegetables and foods produced in Ghana are mostly cultivated with polluted water. What happens when we eat those foodstuffs?

Mothers are losing their children after nine months of pregnancy due to Galamsey. Cancer is now common. Our leaders are quiet about this issue. Some citizens threaten to withhold votes if leaders stop Galamsey activities.

Dr. Ayew Afriyie, NPP Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore and Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, stated that the government has no intention of banning Galamsey, citing potential losses in upcoming elections.

Isn’t it sad? The fight against Galamsey is not a political battle but about Ghana’s welfare. God gave us this land to fill and keep, not to destroy for selfish interests.

Let’s prioritize life over profit. President Akufo-Addo made it clear in 2017 that he was willing to put his presidency on the line to fight Galamsey. What has changed? Why is the President quiet about this?

All responsible citizens should rise and take their rightful places in society, speaking boldly against Galamsey. We must reprimand politicians and traditional leaders when necessary.

Do not think that voting for a particular party means you cannot criticize them. If you do, you’re a spectator, not a citizen. The President of Ghana would not be pleased with you.

We cannot win this battle without traditional leaders’ support. Let’s come together to fight Galamsey.

END GALAMSEY NOW!!!! Ghana must work again; Ghana will work again.

Source: Emmanuel Oduro