Galamsey Is Putting Ghana’s Future At Stake- Atwima Kwanwomahene

The devastating impact of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, on Ghana’s rivers has reached a crisis point, and Nana Amponsah Kwaa IV, Chief of Atwima Kwanwoma, has delivered a blistering warning that the nation’s very survival is on the line.

Speaking at the historic maiden commemoration of World Rivers Day in Chana, the Chief painted a grim picture of polluted rivers forcing Ghana Water Limited to shut down critical water pumping stations, a shocking indicator of how deeply galamsey is poisoning the country’s lifeblood.

“Our rivers are bleeding, our people are at risk, and if we do not act decisively, there will be no future for Ghana,” the Chief thundered condemning the unchecked destruction caused by illegal mining, unregulated sand winning, and rampant waste dumping.

Nana Amponsah Kwaa IV praised the government’s bold initiatives. including the launch of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and deployment of Blue Water Guards armed to patrol and protect key rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Tano but warned that these efforts must be relentless.

“The recent designation of forests and water bodies as scurity zones is a step in the right direction, but enforcement must be fierce and unwavering,” he demanded.

The Chief also called on every Ghanaian from traditional Ieaders to the youth and private sector to join the fight, declaring: This is a battle for our survival. Our rivers, our future. We cannot afford to wait any longer!

Ending with a powerful rallying cry, Nana Amponsah Kwaa IV urged citizens to reject polluting practices, plant trees along riverbanks, and become relentless guardians of Ghana’s rivers.

As the nation grapples with the environmental disaster wrought by galamsey, the Chief’s fiery message rings clear: the time to save Ghana’s rivers is now or lose them forever.

Source: The Punch

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