- All presidential candidates are urged to publicly commit to combating illegal small-scale mining
- The GJA calls for a state of emergency on water bodies
- Demands will be reviewed in two weeks to assess progress
Albert Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has urged all presidential hopefuls to make a public commitment to tackling illegal small-scale mining, known locally as ‘galamsey’.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Dwumfour presented several key demands from the GJA aimed at eradicating the issue.
These demands include declaring a state of emergency on water bodies, bolstering military efforts to remove miners from these zones, halting mining activities within 100 meters of rivers and buffer zones, and repealing Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462.
Mr. Dwumfour emphasized that it is crucial for all political parties to publicly affirm their support for these measures.
He warned that failing to do so would indicate a lack of genuine concern for the nation and disqualify candidates from effective leadership. He announced that these demands would be reviewed in two weeks to gauge progress and determine further actions.
In addition to the GJA’s call, the Christian Council of Ghana has also advocated for a complete and decisive ban on galamsey.
Reverend Cyril Fayose, General Secretary of the Christian Council, highlighted the severe environmental and social impacts of illegal mining, stressing that urgent action is necessary to protect Ghana’s natural resources and future.
