Lions International, District 418, Ghana, has expressed concern and condemnation of the increasingly widespread illegal mining activities, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, which are ravaging many communities across Ghana.
A statement signed by Dr Helena Asamoah-Hassan, Governor, Lions International, District 418, Ghana, copied to the Ghana News Agency said the activities threatened the health, safety, and future prosperity of the country.
It said the effects of ‘galamsey’ on the nation’s environment and human resources were already catastrophic and noted that studies continued to emphasize that illegal mining was responsible for the destruction of over 2.5 million hectares of forest land in Ghana.
The statement said besides, the contamination of rivers with mercury and cyanide used in the mining process had rendered many water bodies unsafe for consumption and aquatic life as well as left farms unsafe for farming activities.
‘This toxic pollution is severely affecting our human resources, and of particular
concern to us is its contribution to the rising cases of childhood cancers and other debilitating illnesses, the severe threat of it pushing vulnerable families into hunger and malnutrition, and the destructive effects of environmental degradation,’ it said.
‘For some years now, Lions International-Ghana has consistently invested our time, talent, and resources in fighting childhood cancer, addressing hunger, and championing environmental protection.
‘It is for these that we are deeply alarmed by the threats that ‘galamsey’poses to these causes’.
It said as the world marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, Lions International urges all players involved in ‘galamsey’, whether through active engagement or by failing to act against it, to re-examine their consciences.
It said the increasing cases of childhood cancers in the nation’s hospitals should compel Ghanaians to rethink their role in perpetuating or tolerating the devastation of their environment and its consequences on the health of th
eir children and the future of our country.
‘We therefore call for an immediate and comprehensive ban on illegal and unregulated small-scale or community mining,’ it said.
The statement said the Government, which was clothed with state authority and resources and in whom natural resources were put in trust for the citizens, must show strong leadership and commitment and come together with all stakeholders to fight against this destructive practice.
‘We demand that the Government acts decisively to protect our nation’s future, and we expect that action is taken swiftly and in a sustained manner.’
Lions International, according to the statement, called for an immediate ban on galamsey.
It said Lions International was firm in its commitment to demand and support Government action to fight ‘galamsey’.
To this effect, the statement said, Lions International called on the Government to show leadership and commitment to enforce an immediate and permanent ban on illegal mining.
It said without equivocation, th
ey re-emphasized their preparedness to do whatever was necessary to protectchildren, ensure food security, and safeguard their environment.
‘The time for action is now, and we will not relent in our efforts until this menace is eradicated,’ it stated.
The statement said in the words of their motto, ‘We Serve’, Lion International pledges to continue standing up for the causes that matter most to their communities.
‘Let us act now to eradicate ‘galamsey’ and protect the future of Ghana.’
Source: Ghana News Agency