Multimedia Group journalist Erastus Asare Donkor has renewed his call for urgent government action to tackle Ghana’s escalating illegal mining menace, warning that the country faces severe environmental consequences if the situation is allowed to persist.
Reflecting on the recent NIAMOS attack, Donkor stressed that while such incidents are concerning, the greater national threat remains the persistent destruction of water bodies by galamsey operators. He reaffirmed his support for Ghana’s mining laws, which prohibit mining in water bodies, on riverbanks, or within 100 meters of any water source offences that carry 5 to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Speaking on the Ebasnosrn show on plan B 104.5,Donkor urged the police to take a more proactive approach by sensitizing communities and swiftly arresting individuals who refuse to comply with the law. According to him, firm enforcement is essential to curbing the damage being done.
On the debate surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency, Donkor was unequivocal. He stated that the scale of environmental destruction justifies such a measure, arguing that extraordinary times require decisive action. Failure to act now, he warned, will lead to massive, long term consequences for the country, particularly in access to clean water.
His comments came in response to the Minister of Agriculture, who has publicly disagreed with calls for a state of emergency. Donkor urged the minister to reassess his stance by considering the current extent of ecological damage and its potential future impact.
He ended by insisting that when it comes to galamsey, strict enforcement and mandatory arrests must become a national priority, not an option.
By: Akosua Gyamfua/Planbfmonline.com
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