Former Upper East Regional Minister, Prof. Avea Ephraim Nsoh, voiced his concerns about the harsh treatment faced by young individuals resorting to illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsay,” as a means of survival. His remarks brought attention to the plight of those driven to such activities in the absence of viable job opportunities.
“If I were the President, no galamsey worker would find themselves behind bars,” Prof. Nsoh proclaimed with conviction. He argued that rather than imprisoning these individuals, they should be allowed to express their frustrations and take to the streets in protest. “We pay the President, Vice President, and Ministers to provide jobs, yet they sit idle as our youth suffer. What do you expect Ghanaians to do?” he questioned, emphasizing the urgent need for government action.
The former minister challenged authorities to reconsider their approach before arresting those engaged in illegal mining. He urged for proactive measures to create employment opportunities instead of targeting the vulnerable. “I’m not condoning Akonta’s actions, if the allegations against them are true, but we need to recognize that these young people are simply trying to survive,” he said.
Prof. Nsoh also shed light on a concerning reality: many graduates have turned to galamsay not out of choice but out of necessity. “Some of my students are involved in mining activities to make ends meet, despite having completed their university education,” he revealed. “They feel they have no other option but to join their peers in the forests.”
His call for compassion extended to highlighting the need for a more focused response from the government. “It makes more sense to arrest those foreign nationals and powerful individuals who are wreaking havoc on our forests than to persecute the poor who are merely trying to survive,” he concluded.
Prof. Avea Ephraim Nsoh’s heartfelt remarks resonate with a broader call for understanding and support for the youth who are caught in a challenging situation, urging authorities to work towards sustainable solutions that address the root causes of illegal mining in Ghana.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
