I am living in terrific anxiety - KSM laments over galamsey

Comedian, KSM

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Veteran Ghanaian comedian and media personality, Kwaku Sintim-Misa, popularly known as KSM, has expressed deep concern over the current state of the nation over the havoc caused by illegal mining.

In a recent submission on his YouTube channel, KSM cited the growing unrest among the youth in many mining communities, who are increasingly taking a stand against illegal miners.

“I am living in terrific anxiety. I'm scared. There is so much turbulence in this country. The galamsey havoc that is wrecking this nation is causing so much anxiety.

“Have you read how the youth are now charging on the illegal miners? They have decided, no, enough is enough. In the mining lands, the youth are now up in arms,” he said.

According to him, this development is disturbing especially as the December 7, 2024 elections approaches.

KSM called for urgent actions to be taken to address the galamsey menace, especially in light of its environmental and social impact.

“There is turbulence in this country. I'm saying this because in a few days away, or let me say months away, we are coming up with a very crucial, historic election. And that is all adding to the tension in this country,” he added.

According to him, solving galamsey is not just a matter of political or tribal affiliation, but a national emergency that affects everyone's health and livelihood.

KSM joins a host of other personalities including Stonebwoy, Rocky Dawuni and Tic Tac who have expressed their concerns over the impact of galamsey.

What is ‘galamsey’

Illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey,’ is causing significant deforestation in Ghana, with seven of the country's 16 regions and 34 forest reserves affected, totalling an area of 4,726 hectares.

The Ghana Forestry Commission has said it is intensifying efforts to combat this issue, including military operations and seeking additional funding.

However, despite revised laws and protective measures, challenges such as weak law enforcement, corruption, and unemployment contribute to ongoing deforestation.

Other factors like agricultural expansion, illegal logging, forest fires, overgrazing, and infrastructure development also play a role in the loss of Ghana's biodiverse tropical forests.

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