The Benemef Foundation has called on stakeholders, including the government to unite against illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.?
Mr. Benjamin Kwame Opare, the founder of the Benemef Foundation, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), in an interview that as part of the foundation’s vision to restore hope and joy to deprived communities across the country, environmental conservation was a crucial part of this mission.
Mr. Opare noted that galamsey had significant ecological consequences, including deforestation, habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil degradation, which adversely affected Ghana’s natural beauty.
He said that ravages of galamsey were evident in the once-clear rivers of Ghana, which had turned into toxic streams that, if not addressed, would lead to the country having to import water from other countries for consumption.
The Pra River and other water bodies are now heavily polluted, with their waters tainted with mercury, cyanide, and other lethal chemicals used in illegal mining.
He sai
d: ‘All our water bodies are polluted, and soon Ghana will start importing water for its use.’
Mr. Opare also added that the chemicals used by the illegal miners have created health issues for the residents of the affected communities, noting that very soon, pregnant women would give birth to babies with birth defects or deformities due to the water contamination.
He noted that chiefs, traditional leaders, political leaders,?and members of the community who engage in galamsey should be arrested and punished severely by law.
He therefore called on the government, politicians, chiefs, and other stakeholders to work together and end galamsey in the country.
Source: Ghana News Agency