The Executive Director of HELP Foundation Africa, Mr. Kwadwo Kyei Yamoah, has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of galamsey activities in Ghana, describing the situation as an emergency that requires immediate government intervention.
Addressing journalists in Accra, Mr. Yamoah expressed frustration over the lack of law enforcement regarding galamsey activities, which have resulted in severe environmental degradation, contamination of water bodies, and public health risks.
“Galamsey has become a significant issue in Ghana, leading to severe environmental degradation, contamination of water bodies, contamination of fisheries and marine resources, public health risks, food and security risks, and poses serious threats to livelihoods, agriculture, and more,” Mr. Yamoah stated.
He revealed that about 60% of Ghana’s water bodies, including the Enu River, Oda River, River Offin, and Tano River, are contaminated due to galamsey activities.
Additionally, several forest reserves, including Suhuma, Sui River Forest Reserve, Krokosua, and Ankobra River Forest Reserve, are under threat from galamsey operations.
Mr. Yamoah emphasized that the fight against galamsey is a matter of survival for Ghanaians, and everyone must be involved.
“If any Ghanaian will look at the level of devastation by galamsey and will not stand up and fight but decide to be involved in galamsey, then such person should be considered an enemy of the state,” he warned.
The Executive Director called on the government to enforce laws against galamsey without delay, urging citizens to support the fight against the menace.