The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, has warned that Ghana risks losing the fight against illegal mining if decisive action is not taken within the first two years of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on May 1, Ing. Ashigbey stressed the need for swift, sustained intervention before political distractions take over.
“The window to fight galamsey is closing fast. If we don’t deal with it in the first two years, and the NDC starts clamouring for his [President’s] seat because the next election is going to come, it will be a lost battle,” he cautioned.
He called on professional bodies across the country to step up and join the media in keeping pressure on the government to act decisively on the menace.
“We need to call on all professional bodies to join the media, the way we’ve been doing this thing, to ensure that we bring the necessary pressure—commending the President where it is right and where they also falling short, we point it out to them,” Ing. Ashigbey added.
His remarks come amid renewed national concern over the environmental destruction and public health risks posed by illegal mining activities, especially in Ghana’s forest reserves and along key water bodies.
Ashigbey has consistently advocated for a united front involving government, civil society, the media, and citizens to end what has become one of the most persistent environmental crises in the country’s history.
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