Alhassan Suhuyini, the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to address the nation on the state of illegal mining commonly referred to as galamsey.
The Ranking Member on Parliament's Lands and Natural Resources committee said in a statement that President Akufo-Addo must address the nation on the "the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities." Suhuyini intimated that the "persistent pollution of our water bodies and the irreversible destruction of our cherished forest reserves pose significant threats to both our environment and public health" and therefore require the president and his government to tell Ghanaians how they are working to curb the situation.
Alhassan Suhuyini also praised civil society organisations (CSOs) and labour unions for their ongoing efforts to combat the galamsey menace and assured that a John Dramani Mahama-led government will "engage constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to implement comprehensive policies, as crafted in our manifesto, that will address both the economic realities that drive illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection." Below is the full statement.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE In light of the ongoing crisis surrounding illegal mining activities otherwise known as Galamsay in Ghana, we wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Civil Society Organizations and labour unions that recently have been at the forefront of advocacy, education, and community mobilization.
Their unwavering commitment to protecting our natural resources and advocating for sustainable practices has not only highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative approach to environmental conservation but has also galvanized the needed public awareness on the critical implications of these illegal practices.
However, it is with great concern that we must address the clueless and sometimes seemingly pretentious response from the government, and particularly the office of the President, regarding this pressing issue.
The persistent pollution of our water bodies and the irreversible destruction of our cherished forest reserves pose significant threats to both our environment and public health.
Despite numerous promises and money sapping initiatives launched by the government, the situation continue to worsen as no progress has been made to effectively combat the galamsay menace, leaving many communities to bear severe consequences of the illegal mining activities.
The detrimental impacts of galamsay are widespread, affecting not just the environment but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems.
We call upon President Nana Akufo Addo and his government to without fail address the nation on the State of our Environment, outlining the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities.
This should include how to enforce the existing laws more rigorously, conducting thorough investigations especially on several allegations of the complicity of many government officials and party leaders, and holding accountable those already implicated by previous investigations in these destructive practices.
Moreover, we assure all concerned Ghanaians of the NDC and President Mahama's future government commitment to engage constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to implement comprehensive policies, as crafted in our manifesto, that will address both the economic realities that drive illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection.
We acknowledge more than ever how essential it is for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that preserve our natural resources for future generations.
We commend the efforts of those who have dedicated their time and resources to this crucial fight and reaffirm our solidarity with communities affected by the illegal mining menace.
Together, we can advocate for and build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Ghana.