Prof. Ransford Gyampo, Acting CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas ravaged by galamsey, Ghana’s notorious illegal mining scourge.
Speaking during a discussion on TV3’s Key Points, Prof. Gyampo warned that Ghana risks being labeled a failed state if decisive action is not taken against illegal miners.
He said “if we do not declare a state of emergency and begin to let Gamsayers or illegal miners
see the full force of the state of Ghana then Ghana eventually may be a fail state because you are sitting in your country,” he stated.
Prof. Gyampo highlighted the dire consequences of galamsey, describing it as an existential threat to Ghana’s sovereignty and environmental health.
He noted that unchecked illegal mining activities have allowed certain groups to control forest reserves and water bodies, undermining the authority of the state.
Prof Gyampo noted “some people are controlling certain forests and then the minister comes to outline or mention areas that you have captured and then you have seasoned investigators like Erastus coming up to say that no these areas are still in the control or in the hands of quote and unquote galamsey rebels and all that, it does not show the force you see this is an executive presidency”.
Prof. Gyampo emphasized the need for urgent intervention, urging the President to leverage his executive powers to combat galamsey effectively.
He cautioned against delaying action until electoral pressures mount in 2028, arguing that the time to act is now.
“Executive presidency has the power so last two weeks I said it let us not wait till election 2028 is approaching it will be difficult this is the time to fight illegal mining with all the forces that the Ghanaian state has conferred.,” he asserted.
Galamsey has left an indelible mark on Ghana’s natural landscape. Rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, Offin, Tano, and Birim are now heavily polluted with toxic substances such as mercury and cyanide, rendering them unusable for drinking or farming.
Experts warn that if left unchecked, Ghana could face severe water scarcity by 2030.
The destruction of farmlands, particularly cocoa plantations, threatens economic stability and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
