• Contact US
  • Advertise With US
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Submit Station
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Kumasi Mail
Advertisement
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Education
    • Health
    • Manhyia
    Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims

    Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims

    Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST

    Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST

    Ghana’s 9th Parliament officially inaugurated

    Parliament halts reintroduction of Anti-Gay Bill after advertisement error

    Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General

    Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General

    AG charges former Buffer Stock CEO and wife over GHS78m theft, money laundering

    AG charges former Buffer Stock CEO and wife over GHS78m theft, money laundering

    Chairman Wontumi granted GH¢1m bail ahead of trial over illegal mining

    Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine rejects plea deal in Wontumi case

    Krofrom Market files sealed- KMA promises revelation “in due course”

    Krofrom Market files sealed- KMA promises revelation “in due course”

    Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, KMA BOSS

    KMA orders removal of unauthorized structures and billboards ahead of road project

    Ghana’s Future at Risk: Poisoned lands, sick children, and a booming illegal gold economy- Minority raises alarm

    Ghana’s Future at Risk: Poisoned lands, sick children, and a booming illegal gold economy- Minority raises alarm

    • Health
    • Education
  • Election 2024
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • World
  • Media
  • Manhyia
  • History
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Education
    • Health
    • Manhyia
    Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims

    Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims

    Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST

    Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST

    Ghana’s 9th Parliament officially inaugurated

    Parliament halts reintroduction of Anti-Gay Bill after advertisement error

    Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General

    Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General

    AG charges former Buffer Stock CEO and wife over GHS78m theft, money laundering

    AG charges former Buffer Stock CEO and wife over GHS78m theft, money laundering

    Chairman Wontumi granted GH¢1m bail ahead of trial over illegal mining

    Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine rejects plea deal in Wontumi case

    Krofrom Market files sealed- KMA promises revelation “in due course”

    Krofrom Market files sealed- KMA promises revelation “in due course”

    Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, KMA BOSS

    KMA orders removal of unauthorized structures and billboards ahead of road project

    Ghana’s Future at Risk: Poisoned lands, sick children, and a booming illegal gold economy- Minority raises alarm

    Ghana’s Future at Risk: Poisoned lands, sick children, and a booming illegal gold economy- Minority raises alarm

    • Health
    • Education
  • Election 2024
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • World
  • Media
  • Manhyia
  • History
No Result
View All Result
Kumasi Mail
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Election 2024
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • World
  • Media
  • Manhyia
  • History
Home News

Persons with disabilities call for immediate action against Galamsey threats

Kumasi Mail by Kumasi Mail
October 4, 2024
in News
0
Gunshots fired as Akyem Asuom youth storm Galamsey sites, 4 Foremen arrested
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


Just Inclusions (JI), an advocacy group representing persons with disabilities, has raised urgent concerns over the devastating impact of illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, on the country’s environment and its disproportionate effects on the disabled community.

In a statement issued to the media, JI highlighted the dangers posed by the rampant destruction of forests and water bodies, and called on the government to take immediate, decisive action to halt the illegal mining operations.

Operating under the mission banner “Persons With Disabilities Against Illegal Mining,” the group underscored the particular vulnerabilities faced by its members due to the environmental destruction caused by galamsey. They urged the government to prioritize the needs of differently-abled persons in its fight against the menace.

Multidimensional Impact on Persons with Disabilities

JI’s statement highlighted several key ways in which illegal mining threatens the lives and well-being of disabled persons across the country. One of the group’s primary concerns is the potential shutdown of water treatment plants due to the excessive pollution of major water sources. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has warned that its plants may soon be unable to process water from rivers such as the Birim, Offin, Pra, and Tano, which have been severely affected by galamsey activities.

“Persons with disabilities, particularly those with mobility challenges, rely heavily on convenient access to basic amenities like clean water. Should these water plants close, people with disabilities will face extreme hardship,” the statement read. “For able-bodied people, walking to alternative water sources might be possible, but for someone who is blind, in a wheelchair, or using crutches, it could be dangerous or even impossible.”

Economic Hardships and Deprivation

JI also expressed concern over the economic toll that illegal mining could have on persons with disabilities. The group noted that government revenue losses from key industries such as cocoa — which has seen a drastic decline in yield due to land degradation — could lead to cuts in the meager funds allocated for disabled persons. Currently, only 3% of the District Assembly Common Fund is designated for persons with disabilities, and any further reduction would exacerbate their already precarious financial situation.

“Our livelihoods are already strained,” the group said. “If the government’s revenues continue to dwindle due to galamsey, it is our community that will suffer first.”

Health Risks and Environmental Hazards

In addition to economic and social issues, JI highlighted the environmental and health hazards that galamsey poses to the entire nation, but particularly to the disabled population. The use of toxic chemicals like mercury and arsenic in illegal mining has polluted water sources and farmland, leading to long-term health complications such as organ damage and birth defects.

“Persons with disabilities are already grappling with their own health challenges. Exposing us to further risks from contaminated food and water only worsens our plight,” JI said.

The group also cited uncovered mining pits as a serious hazard, particularly for those who are visually impaired or have mobility issues, noting that these abandoned pits are a constant threat to their safety.

Call to Action

Just Inclusions is urging the government, civil society, and other stakeholders to adopt a unified, non-partisan approach to combat illegal mining. The group emphasized that fighting galamsey requires collaboration from all sectors, including political leaders, traditional authorities, and law enforcement.

Among their key demands are:

  1. A national, unified strategy against illegal mining that rises above partisan politics.
  2. Strong leadership from President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has previously spoken out against galamsey.
  3. Decentralized government involvement at all levels, from district assemblies to traditional rulers, in combating illegal mining activities.
  4. Accountability for traditional authorities, with specific reference to those who allow illegal mining on lands under their custodianship.
  5. Empowering the security forces and judiciary to prosecute offenders, and revising laws like L.I. 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves.
  6. Utilizing advanced technology, such as drones and GPS tracking, to monitor and prevent illegal mining operations.
  7. Developing alternative economic opportunities for those currently dependent on illegal mining for survival.

A Future for All

Just Inclusions believes that the fight against galamsey must be fought not only for the preservation of the environment but also for the protection of vulnerable groups, including the disabled.

The group concluded with a plea to the government and the general public: “For the sake of the millions of differently-abled persons, we urge the government to match political will with decisive action to secure a future of hope for all Ghanaians.”

About Just Inclusions

Just Inclusions is a coalition of persons with disabilities advocating for diversity and inclusion in national policies. The group focuses on economic empowerment, inclusive technology and education, gender mainstreaming, climate justice, and the creation of accessible built environments.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, JI aims to ensure no one is left behind, particularly in addressing critical national issues like illegal mining.

Source: www.kumasimail.com

Tags: Galamsey threatsPersons with disabilitiestopstory
ShareTweetSend
Previous Post

Abronye fires TUC General secertary accused him of corruption

Next Post

GTEC warns against unaccredited study centres linked to UCC, UDS, and UEW 

YOU MAY LIKE

Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims
Education

Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims

Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST
News

Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST

Ghana’s 9th Parliament officially inaugurated
News

Parliament halts reintroduction of Anti-Gay Bill after advertisement error

Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General
News

Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General

AG charges former Buffer Stock CEO and wife over GHS78m theft, money laundering
News

AG charges former Buffer Stock CEO and wife over GHS78m theft, money laundering

Next Post
GTEC warns against unaccredited study centres linked to UCC, UDS, and UEW 

GTEC warns against unaccredited study centres linked to UCC, UDS, and UEW 

“Agyapadie Is A Fabricated Document” – President Akufo-Addo says

Akufo-Addo seeks to avert nationwide strike over illegal mining concerns

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS

Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims

Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims

Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST

Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST

Ghana’s 9th Parliament officially inaugurated

Parliament halts reintroduction of Anti-Gay Bill after advertisement error

Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General

Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General

AG charges former Buffer Stock CEO and wife over GHS78m theft, money laundering

AG charges former Buffer Stock CEO and wife over GHS78m theft, money laundering

Chairman Wontumi granted GH¢1m bail ahead of trial over illegal mining

Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine rejects plea deal in Wontumi case

Krofrom Market files sealed- KMA promises revelation “in due course”

Krofrom Market files sealed- KMA promises revelation “in due course”

Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, KMA BOSS

KMA orders removal of unauthorized structures and billboards ahead of road project

Ghana’s Future at Risk: Poisoned lands, sick children, and a booming illegal gold economy- Minority raises alarm

Ghana’s Future at Risk: Poisoned lands, sick children, and a booming illegal gold economy- Minority raises alarm

Education Minister reaffirms Mahama administration’s commitment to strengthening ‘No Fees Stress’ policy

GES warns schools against unauthorised PTA levies

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
52-Year-old man arrested in Nsawam for possessing suspected EC Biometric Device

52-Year-old man arrested in Nsawam for possessing suspected EC Biometric Device

Ghana Airforce Z-9 Helicopter Goes Missing en Route to Obuasi, Rescue Efforts Underway

Ghana Airforce Z-9 Helicopter Goes Missing en Route to Obuasi, Rescue Efforts Underway

Asokore Mamponhene Nana Boakye Ansah passes away

Asokore Mamponhene Nana Boakye Ansah passes away

EPA CEO calls for Immediate action to restore polluted water bodies in Ashanti region

EPA CEO calls for Immediate action to restore polluted water bodies in Ashanti region

Hello world!

1
NCA promises lower data prices by year-end

NCA promises lower data prices by year-end

1
COVID-19: Information Ministry justifies GHC150K spent on staff

COVID-19: Information Ministry justifies GHC150K spent on staff

1
EC to conduct mop-up registration August 1-3

EC to conduct mop-up registration August 1-3

1
Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims

Ministry of Education challenges Akrofuom MP, other to prove claims amid explosive School Placement corruption claims

Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST

Sesi Technologies Unveils Groundbreaking FarmSense Soil Intelligence System at KNUST

Ghana’s 9th Parliament officially inaugurated

Parliament halts reintroduction of Anti-Gay Bill after advertisement error

Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General

Abdul-Wahab Hanan denies corruption allegations mentioned by Attorney General

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Kumasi Mail

About US

Advertise With US

Submit Station

© 2024 KumasiMail.com