Convernor of Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ken Ashigbey has criticized the deafening silence of President Akufo Addo on the fight against Galamsey in the country. He insists that the President owes it as a duty to periodically update the country on governmental efforts in dealing with the situation.
Addressing journalists at a press conference marking Africa Water Week 2024, Mr. Ken Ashiegbey enumerated the severe consequences of poisoning water sources, likening it to a grave crisis. He questions the perception of the community’s actions, suggesting they poison their own motives.
He revealed the high level of toxicity in the Galamesy areas and its impact on the lives of the people.
“There is an ongoing investigation into a six-week-old baby allegedly killed by someone close to them, emphasizing the need for a post-mortem and a baby born without genitalia, and the results of bone marrow testing showed high levels of toxicity.”
Mr. Ashiegbey criticizes the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing the number of deaths to those from Galamsey.
“It is sad that, as we speak, it’s excellency. The President has forgotten about what he did when COVID hit us. How many people did we lose in Ghana over COVID. How many?” he quizzed.
He further noted that political parties, NDC and NPP, of not responding to requests for action against Galamsey due to illicit funds. He laments the lack of response from political parties despite the seriousness of the issue as the political class only cares less about the lives lost due to Galamsey, focusing instead on election outcomes.He also laments the lack of prosecution of politically exposed persons in Galamsey, with the vulnerable ones being the ones prosecuted.
Mr. Ashiegbey urged Ghanaian to be angrier and more proactive in fighting the Galamsey menace.He appeals to journalists and civil society organizations to ask tough questions and hold the government accountable.
On his part, Coordinator for Africa Water Justice Network, Leonard Shan Quartey Africa Water Week, emphasizing its focus on water justice and the challenges preventing people from enjoying their human right to water. The event is strategically timed to coincide with the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He highlights that many of the water-related issues stem from policies decided at these global meetings and that that these spaces are dominated by big corporations, excluding the voices of citizens.
He further spoke about the extreme financialization of water, which prioritizes profits over people’s interests.
Mr. Shan Quartey reflects on past activities in Ghana and plans to raise important questions to the IMF and World Bank this year emphasizing the need to ensure that people’s voices are included in decision-making processes.
Meanwhile, CSOs in Extractive Governance led by Geoffrey Kabutey Ocansey , Executive Director of Revenue Mobilization Africa urged government to be proactive in repealing the Legislative Instrument that allows mining in forest reserves and near water bodies in the country.