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Illegal small-scale mining, also known as Galamsey, destroys the environment, pollutes rivers, causes illness, and harms farmland and crops.
Many voices, including labour unions, religious groups, the media, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and prominent Ghanaians, have urged the government to impose a temporary mining moratorium to help save the river bodies and the devastated forest reserve.
Konongo, the municipal capital of Asante Akyem Central, is among Ghana’s illegal mining communities.
Their farms and river bodies have been destroyed. The situation has sparked outrage against galamsey operations in the area.
GreenFaith Ghana, a non-governmental organization whose core mandate is to protect the environment, organized a protest against illegal mining within the municipality along Konongo’s main street to raise awareness.
Ms Gifty Elikplim Agbenvefia, the organizer for Greenfaith Ghana, urged all Ghanaians to support the fight against illegal mining (Galamsey) because it has serious consequences for humanity.
“The impact of galamsey is not only about who it affects but about all of us, so as people of faith, it is time to join the call to protect the environment. So, let us all come wherever we are and join the call.”
Illegal mining activities, known as Galamsey, have resulted in numerous humanitarian crises in most mining communities, including Konongo in the Asanti Akyem Central municipality.
Currently, the road leading to the Konongo Mining Basic School is closed due to Galamsey activities.
The Chairman of the Local Council of Churches and Head Pastor of Konongo Methodist Church, Very Rev. Samuel Kwaku Poku, says the church condemns the destructive practices of illegal mining, known as Galamsey in Ghana, which has caused many communities to become ghost towns.
They are urging the government to take strict measures to curtail illegal mining activities.
“Allowing Galamsey and unsustainable extraction practices to continue is a violation of humanity’s principles of environmental protection and safeguarding.”
Residents of Konongo are fleeing in fear due to the current consequences of illegal mining activities.
By Enock Baffoe/uniquenewsgh.com
