The Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has called on the government to seize the moment of national mourning, following the loss of eight Ghana Armed Forces personnel in a helicopter crash, to declare a targeted state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Serwah’s appeal comes in the wake of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter tragedy in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of all eight officers on board. She emphasized that the sacrifice of the “fallen eight,” as well as others who have died protecting Ghana’s natural resources, must mark a decisive turning point in the country’s efforts to end galamsey.
“The deaths of the eight victims, along with others who have lost their lives in the fight against galamsey, should serve as a turning point in combating the menace,” Serwah said. She stressed that the battle against illegal mining could not continue as business as usual, warning that history would judge the current generation harshly if decisive steps were not taken.
Serwah urged the government to recognize galamsey as an existential threat, not only to Ghana’s environment but also to its security. She called for the translation of political rhetoric into concrete action, arguing that the moment demands bold, targeted measures to honor the sacrifices made by the fallen and to chart a new course for the nation’s natural heritage.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
