NUTOG, ORAG Issue Strong Warning To Akufo-Addo Over Galamsey Crisis

The National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana (NUTOG) and the Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG) have joined the increasing chorus of voices urging the government to take a daring step to curb illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey” in the country.

The unions emphasize the need for immediate action to curb galamsey activities, which they believe threaten not only the environment but also the livelihoods of future generations.

They argue that if these activities continue unchecked, they could lead to severe consequences, including water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and devastating effects on agriculture and the economy.

The campaign’s objective will be to amplify the voices of various associations, organizations, and unions calling for an end to the illegal mining menace.

The two bodies, in a joint press conference held at New Abrem in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, addressed by the National President of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG), Michael Kofi Owusu, and the National Secretary of the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana (NUTOG), Hafiz Hamza, issued a series of demands and proposed solutions aimed at curbing the environmental destruction caused by galamsey activities.

 

The National President of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG), Michael Kofi Owusu says that the unions want the government to immediately halt any illegal small-scale mining operations.

 

 

 

He emphasized how illegal small-scale mining in Ghana is wreaking havoc on the environment, sickening people, making water more scarce, and ruining farmlands and crops like cocoa.

Declaring that “irresponsible mining is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of injustice and against the right to a clean environment and the good health of present and future generations,” the groups lamented the catastrophic effects of galamsey.

Mr. Michael Kofi Owusu states that political interests need to be set aside with the goal to stop illegal mining from ruining the country’s farms, forests, and water systems.

Following his disappointment, he voiced the union’s concerns about President Akufo-Addo’s unwillingness to step down, saying that he had let Ghanaians down by breaking his pledge to risk his presidency in the fight against Galamsey.

Therefore, as many Ghanaians have demanded, he urged the government to declare a state of emergency to counteract the devastating effects of canker.

Additionally, until a solution to the galamsey threat is discovered or achieved, the National Secretary of the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana (NUTOG), Hafiz Hamza urged the government to prohibit all small-scale mining as well as any prospective mining contracts and/or licenses.

 

 

He contends that during the suspending period, the focus should be on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly mining practices, which can be achieved by providing technical and financial support to formalize the sector in order to prevent further destruction of water bodies and lands.

 

International Engagement

In an interview with Daily Searchlight, some of the members of the two groups called on the government to seek international intervention to address the environmental and social impacts associated with these activities.

They argue that domestic efforts have been insufficient in combating the galamsey menace and that international support could bring additional resources, expertise, and monitoring to help restore affected environments and ensure sustainable mining practices.

They emphasize the importance of collaboration with international organizations and governments to achieve a more effective response to the challenges posed by illegal mining.

 

 

The demand for international intervention highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that not only address the immediate impact of galamsey but also guide the country miners on how to mine responsibly without endangering our lands, waterways, or natural resources.

 

 

Others urge the chiefs to join forces with the government to guarantee that whatever issues related to Galamsey are resolved.

 

Caution

They argue that if the leaders of the country opt to ignore their concerns, they will advise themselves and the government will be unhappy with what they do afterwards.

 

 

 

They went on to say that they would not stand by and watch as Galamsey destroys the ecosystem to enable suffering to befall future generations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Galamsey

Galamsey, which involves unauthorized mining operations typically aimed at extracting gold and other minerals, has been a significant issue in various countries, particularly in Ghana. This illegal practice often leads to deforestation, pollution of water bodies, and health hazards for local communities.

It is carried out by Ghanaians and foreigners, including Chinese and West African nationals from Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. The Africa Defense Forum military magazine reports that from 2008 to 2013, over 50, 000 Chinese entered the country to mine gold illegally. The government’s fightback started over three decades ago in 1989 with the Small-scale Gold Mining Act, which aimed to legalize artisanal mining and prevent illegal activities.

Since then, successive governments have tried unsuccessfully to combat the problem. The 2006 Minerals and Mining Act reserved small-scale mining for Ghanaian citizens and instituted alternative livelihood and community programs for those dependent on galamsey.

In 2013, a joint task force comprising military and other security personnel was established, leading to 4,500 Chinese miners being deported.

When Nana Akufo-Addo took over as president in 2017, he indicated he was prepared to put his presidency on the line to fight Galamsey, but despite his best efforts, absolutely nothing has changed, and it now appears that Galamsey is out of control in Ghana.

 

 

 

 

 

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