Movement for Change calls for emergency action to combat galamsey crisis

The Yellow Army of the Movement for Change and the Alliance for Revolutionary Change has issued an urgent call for immediate action to halt the escalating environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The group expressed deep concern over the worsening impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and communities and criticized recent statements by political leaders from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that downplay the severity of the crisis.

In a strongly worded statement, the Movement for Change highlighted the widespread devastation caused by illegal mining activities, which have polluted major rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim.

The group warned that the contamination of these water bodies poses a severe threat to public health and the environment, with the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) struggling to purify water as treatment costs have surged by 60%.

"The GWL has already announced the impending shutdown of two of its ten treatment plants in the Ashanti Region, while the Central Region is also on the brink of a water shortage crisis," the statement said.

The statement also noted alarming reports of the White Volta River changing colour due to contamination from galamsey activities, which not only threatens the health of communities that depend on the river but also endangers aquatic life.

The group underscored the potentially catastrophic impact on the country's dams and called for immediate intervention.

Furthermore, the Movement for Change cited recent news reports that have exposed the dire health consequences of galamsey.

These include cognitive impairments and other deformities in babies born in galamsey-prone areas, attributed to the heavy metals used in illegal gold extraction.

The group condemned the recent comments by the Majority Chief Whip of Parliament, who blamed the opposition NDC more than the ruling NPP for polluting water bodies.

The Movement for Change described these remarks as "irresponsible, divisive, and insulting," arguing that the devastation caused by galamsey is a national emergency that demands unity rather than political point-scoring.

The statement dated September 5, 2024, and signed by Duke Aaron Sasu, the National Youth Leader criticized both the NPP and the NDC for their failure to address the galamsey crisis effectively, noting that more than 34 forest reserves have been destroyed for the benefit of illegal miners under the watch of successive governments.

The group lamented the lack of progress despite the patriotic efforts of media, civil society organizations, academic institutions, NGOs, and religious bodies to push the government into action.

In a rallying call to action, the Movement for Change urged all Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to rise and take bold steps to save the country from what they described as "nation wreckers."

The group emphasized the need to break away from the dominance of the NDC and NPP, both of whom have presided over the current environmental crisis.

The Movement for Change demanded that the government declare a state of emergency in the regions affected by galamsey and take immediate steps to restore polluted water bodies and enforce sustainable mining practices.

The group also praised the stance of their leader, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, against galamsey, highlighting his commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection as the leadership quality Ghana needs to overcome this crisis.