Galamsey: Let’s join forces to save our environment - Eastern Regional Minister

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has called on government officials and those in authority to abide by the laws and support the president's vision to combat illegal mining (galamsey).

In an interview with Adom FM, she emphasised that this fight should be treated as an urgent state issue, as illegal mining has claimed the lives of innocent young children due to the greed of some law breakers.

Awatey advised parents in galamsey-prone areas to be vigilant about their children’s whereabouts to prevent accidents.

She stated that measures have been put in place with various stakeholders to tackle galamsey.

"There is a need for urgent collective action to protect Ghana’s environment and ensure the well-being of its citizens," she stated.

However, Wisdom Gomashie, an engineer, has expressed concerns that the GoldBod initiative, despite being well-intentioned, may actually escalate galamsey activities, rather than alleviate it.

He urged the media to also hold the various security services accountable for their roles in combating illegal mining.

MRA/AE