Ghana Prepares for Nationwide Lockdown Over Galamsey
Civil servants and labour unions in Ghana are pushing the government to act on the growing Galamsey crisis. Their actions have led to the announcement of a nationwide lockdown set for Monday, September 30. The lockdown aims to address the illegal mining issue and force government intervention. The country faces widespread environmental damage from unregulated mining activities, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.
Severe Environmental Damage from Galamsey
Illegal mining has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s environment, especially its water resources. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) reports that illegal miners have polluted 60 per cent of major water sources. GWCL states that treatment plants across Ghana are struggling to purify the contaminated water effectively. These challenges have resulted in water shortages in various regions of the country. The ongoing contamination poses a significant threat to Ghana’s water supply and public health.
Calls for Government Action
A broad coalition of civil society groups, labour unions, media outlets, and religious leaders are demanding immediate action. They are calling on the government to remove illegal miners from water bodies, declare a state of emergency in affected areas, and revoke all mining licenses associated with illegal operations. The coalition argues that the environmental and health impacts of Galamsey are rapidly spiralling out of control.
Leaders Urge Swift Response
The upcoming lockdown targets the Galamsey crisis, pushing the government to take decisive action in safeguarding the country’s environment. But here, people are poisoning their own water, and the leaders are failing to act. This is a crisis, and the president must act now.”
Calls for Military Involvement
Citizens are demanding the deployment of military forces to shut down illegal mining sites across Ghana. Albert Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, urged the government to revoke mining permits in protected biodiversity areas. He also called for stronger action to stop illegal mining that threatens Ghana’s natural resources.
Lockdown to Address Crisis
The upcoming lockdown targets the Galamsey crisis, pushing the government to take decisive action to protect Ghana’s environment. This event may become a turning point in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. Citizens and environmentalists hope the government will secure water sources and biodiversity for future generations.
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