- Prof. Osafo calls galamsey a security threat.
- Galamsey contaminates water sources, says GWCL.
- Military should combat galamsey, says Prof. Osafo.
- Action, not promises, needed to stop galamsey.
Prof. Joseph Osafo, Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies at the University of Ghana, has called for galamsey to be declared a security threat. Prof. Osafo warned of the environmental and health dangers posed by the mining menace.
He emphasized the urgent need for action, citing the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies, including the recent contamination of River Pra, which has turned brownish in color.
The Ghana Water Company Ltd. (GWCL) has also issued a warning to residents in affected communities, stating that 60% of the catchment capacity is silted due to galamsey, compromising raw water quality.
The company reported an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU, far exceeding the designed level of 2000 NTU, causing “severe inconveniences” to residents in areas like Cape Coast and Elmina.
GWCL implored Ghanaians to assist in restoring raw water quality and ensuring a reliable supply of clean drinking water.
Prof. Osafo proposed that the fight against galamsey should be left to the Security Services, particularly the Military, to tackle the menace.
He stressed that water resources should be treated as security issues, deploying security services to protect them.
Prof. Osafo expressed frustration with the lack of action, questioning why water cannot be treated as a security issue and urging politicians and leaders to take concrete steps.
He emphasized the need for action, not promises, to address the crisis, warning that the country is heading in a dangerous direction if nothing is done.
