Galamsey Fight: Gov’t exhibiting ‘piecemeal and half-hearted’ solutions – Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has expressed dissatisfaction with the measures announced by government to address the illegal mining menace in the country.

President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, October 9 directed the suspension of the L.I 2462 on mining in forest reserves.

The President also asked the Chief of Defence Staff to deploy more military officers to galamsey sites as part of the ‘Operation Halt’ measure to curb illegal mining.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, October 10, the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey said government’s response to galamsey crisis “significantly falls short of the expected interventions needed.”

The Group said the measures outlined by government are “piecemeal and half-hearted” and will not suffice in the fight against the menace.

“We therefore caution that the piecemeal solutions and half-hearted as exhibited thus far efforts will not suffice. Any action must be swift and treated with all the urgency it deserves,” excerpts of the statement noted.

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey had earlier demanded from government to declare a state of emergency, announce a complete cessation of mining in forest reserves and water bodies and evacuate mining equipment from galamsey sites as well as strict law enforcement.

The Group said these demands have not yet been met by government stating “we regrettably note that the government’s responses to these demands, as outlined in their statements thus far, significantly fall short of the expected interventions needed, leaving crucial concerns unmet.”

The Group urged Ghanaians to rally behind the Red Band Campaign beginning today, October 10.

The campaign, symbolized by the wearing of a red band is to collectively demand an immediate and decisive action against illegal mining.

“We will monitor, put pressure on, and ensure that Government does not ignore its commitments,” the Group stated.

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