President John Dramani Mahama has described the devastation caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as a national emergency, vowing to take urgent and decisive steps to tackle the escalating crisis.
Speaking at a durbar during his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, President Mahama expressed grave concern over the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies in areas such as Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso.
“This is a national emergency,” President Mahama stressed. “The destruction to our environment, our forests, and our water bodies is unacceptable. We cannot sit idle while the future of our children is destroyed. We will take bold steps to address this menace.”
He assured that the national taskforce will intensify its operations to clamp down on illegal mining activities, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies, noting “The taskforce has been working, but we will strengthen its efforts to ensure that our environment is protected for future generations.
Meanwhile, the National House of Chiefs, through its President and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has also urged President Mahama to take decisive action against illegal mining, warning that its devastating effects pose a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of communities.
“Our water bodies are polluted, our forests are destroyed, and the health of our people, especially newborns, is at serious risk,” Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II said. “We plead with you, Mr. President, to act quickly and firmly on this matter.”
He further urged the government to tackle the growing issue of substance abuse, highlighting “Drug abuse, combined with high youth unemployment, is a dangerous cocktail for violence in our communities. We must act before it gets out of hand,” he warned.
On the same platform, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, Chief of Sefwi Boinzan and Krontihene of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, welcomed President Mahama’s visit with excitement and gratitude.
“We are very happy to have you here, Mr. President. Education remains key to the development of any nation,” he said. “We humbly appeal to you to consider establishing a university here in the Western North Region to help drive development and create opportunities for our youth.”
President Mahama also reiterated his government’s commitment to the 24-hour economy policy, which he said would help create jobs and reduce youth unemployment across the country.
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