Presbyterian Moderator Urges Political Will and Unity to End Galamsey
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has called on the government to show decisive political will to end illegal mining, known as galamsey, which continues to devastate communities and pollute water bodies across the country. In an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Rt. Rev. Dr Kwakye stressed that the government possesses both the authority and capacity to eradicate galamsey, but must act with determination. “Government has the political power. It also has the might to crush galamsey. If government wants to crush galamsey, government is able to,” he stated. Highlighting the environmental and economic toll of illegal mining, he pointed out that vast sums are spent on water treatment due to pollution, while mining communities are left in ruins. “The communities where mining is taking place are getting destroyed. And our waters are polluted. And we spend huge amounts of money to treat water,” he noted. The Presbyterian Church, he explained, has long raised concerns about galamsey and continues to use its platform for advocacy. This year, the Church’s annual symposium was moved to Tarkwa, a mining hub, to give participants firsthand experience of the effects of illegal mining. The event was followed by the National Red Sunday campaign, which further spotlighted the crisis. Rt. Rev. Dr. Kwakye called on all Ghanaians to unite in the fight against galamsey, warning that its consequences stretch far beyond mining communities. “We sit in Accra, there’s no galamsey going on here, but we are all reaping from what is happening in these places,” he said. He urged a bipartisan, non-partisan approach to the problem, insisting that environmental damage does not respect political affiliations. “The water that is polluted does not ask whether your lips are NDC or New Patriotic Party. They don’t seek your partisan colours,” he remarked. Addressing calls for a state of emergency, Rt. Rev. Dr. Kwakye said he prioritises tangible results over declarations, emphasising the need for effective enforcement and real environmental restoration. “I want results, not just a state of emergency… What we are seeking is for this nation to do what is right. And for this nation to be united. And that is why we are asking for a bipartisan approach. It’s important that we save ourselves,” he concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Backs Bawku Revitalisation Committee to Lead Area’s Recovery
President John Dramani Mahama has voiced strong confidence in the newly inaugurated Bawku Revitalisation Committee, tasking its five members with spearheading the recovery and redevelopment of the conflict-affected Bawku area. The committee’s mandate is to accelerate infrastructure rebuilding and foster economic renewal, paving the way for residents to restore their livelihoods after years of instability. The initiative is a key component of government efforts to reestablish normalcy in Bawku and its surrounding communities, focusing on repairing damaged infrastructure, boosting local economic activity, and laying the groundwork for sustainable development. Chaired by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the committee also includes Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga, the Tamapani Chief Cletus Abugre, Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga, and Garu MP Thomas Anaba. Together, they are expected to oversee the revitalisation fund and direct resources to priority projects identified as crucial to the area’s recovery. During the committee’s inauguration on Wednesday, August 26, President Mahama emphasized that the government’s ambitions extend beyond physical reconstruction. “Now we have the opportunity to go back and continue the development so that the people of the area will benefit from all the projects that we have been doing so that Bawku will get its fair share of the national cake. The revitalisation fund will go to the provision of infrastructure and any other areas that the committee deems fit,” he stated. He affirmed his full trust in the committee members, praising their integrity and track record in public service. “I have absolute confidence in the membership of the committee and I know that they will handle this assignment with the usual integrity and efficiency that they have shown in their public service over the years,” President Mahama said. The Bawku Revitalisation Committee is poised to play a pivotal role in restoring hope, stability, and prosperity to a region long plagued by conflict, with the government’s backing to ensure tangible and lasting improvements for its people. Source: Apexnewsgh.com