Deputy Communications Officer for the Subin Constituency, Mr. Collins Boakye, has called on Ghanaians to unite in the ongoing battle against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. Speaking on Orange Sunrise, Mr. Boakye emphasized that addressing the menace requires time, patience, and the collective effort of all citizens.
He underscored that the fight against galamsey is not the sole responsibility of the government, but a shared national duty. “This fight against galamsey is not only for the government to fight, but we the citizens should also support. And just as the President said, it is a gradual process. It would not take a day to solve this, but definitely it will be curbed,” he stated.
Mr. Boakye highlighted the severe environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, particularly its impact on water bodies and agricultural lands. He expressed strong support for the Ghana Water Company’s recent proposal for a tariff adjustment, citing the increased cost of water treatment due to pollution from mining activities.
Sharing personal experiences, Mr. Boakye revealed that he has taken precautionary measures, such as avoiding certain local foods like kontomire, due to fears of contamination. This, he noted, reflects the broader public health risks posed by galamsey operations.
He concluded by urging Ghanaians to support the Mahama administration’s initiatives aimed at curbing illegal mining. Mr. Boakye stressed that with unity, vigilance, and a shared sense of responsibility, the nation can restore its natural resources and mitigate the long-term effects of galamsey.
