ACCRA: The Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group (GEAG) has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to take strong measures against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, following his electoral victory. The group emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue without bias to safeguard the nation's environment.
According to Ghana News Agency, GEAG's Executive Director, Mrs. Elizabeth Allua Vaah, stated that Mahama's significant win reflects the public's support for his agenda, which includes tackling illegal mining. In the recent election campaign, Mahama vowed to regulate mining activities to prevent environmental degradation, ensuring small-scale mining does not harm arable lands, forests, and water resources.
Mrs. Vaah expressed her belief in Mahama's leadership but warned against allowing political turnover to result in merely shifting control of galamsey operations between political parties. She highlighted the urgent need for action, noting the environmental and health threats posed by illegal mining, which has led to a spike in kidney and other diseases linked to heavy metal contamination.
The GEAG supports the incoming administration's plans to offer social interventions, such as skills training and support for women in business, which could provide sustainable alternatives for those involved in illegal mining. Mrs. Vaah also endorsed the proposal to educate miners on sustainable practices and designate specific areas for regulated small-scale mining.
She emphasized the necessity of enforcing existing laws to prevent environmental harm, asserting that illegal activities must be curtailed regardless of economic motivations. The advocacy group and the public will be closely monitoring the new government's actions on this critical issue.
