Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Quarshie, painted a vivid picture of the urgent need to curb illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, in Ghana.
Mr. Quarshie did not mince words as he proposed bold and controversial steps to deter illegal miners. “The galamseyers must be made to drink water from the contaminated rivers if arrested, so they come to terms with the destruction they have caused,” he stated. His remarks were aimed at driving home the devastating environmental impact galamsey has had on Ghana’s water bodies and communities.
Drawing on his observations from South Africa, Mr. Quarshie recounted how a tragic landslide involving illegal miners, known there as Zama Zama, prompted the South African authorities to take a hardline approach. The government’s refusal to show leniency or sympathy, he explained, discouraged others from continuing such environmentally destructive activities.
Mr. Quarshie emphasized that Ghana must shift its focus beyond the small-scale operators, whom he referred to as “the small flies.” Instead, he called on the government to go after the real kingpins and financiers who fuel illegal mining operations across the country.
To find a sustainable solution, Mr. Quarshie advocated for a national dialogue on galamsey. He urged all stakeholders to come together and address the environmental and socio-economic challenges posed by illegal mining, hoping that such a conversation would pave the way for long-term strategies to combat the menace.
With these strong words and practical suggestions, Mr. Quarshie has set the stage for renewed debate on how Ghana can finally put an end to galamsey.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
