The Ghana Scholarly Society (GSS) has expressed its profound concern over the escalating degradation of the nation’s water bodies due to the rampant activities of illegal small-scale mining, known as “galamsey.
According to them, this environmental crisis threatens the very survival of various natural resources and the health of millions of Ghanaians.
According to a statement signed by the Associate Professor–International Business & Management, Bradford University, UK President, Ghana Scholarly Society,Dr Kweku Adams, recent reports, including from the BBC, have highlighted the severity of the situation, warning that if immediate and decisive action is not taken, Ghana could face the unthinkable scenario of importing water within the next few years.
This potential outcome, according to the statement, underscores the urgent need for a coordinated approach to mitigate the impact of galamsey on the environment and future generations.
As such, the group has listed 4 key approaches to address this challenge: Fastrack prosecutions and enforce environmental laws, use a multidisciplinary approach to protect and restore water bodies, use local chiefs and para-military forces, and the immediately provide sustainable economic alternatives.
The Ghana Scholarly Society urgently calls upon all stakeholders to recognize that the fight against galamsey is not just an environmental issue but a matter of national survival.
According to them if stakeholders do not act now, the consequences will be catastrophic for current and future generations.
They urge the government to prioritize this issue, implement the solutions outlined above with urgency and determination, and work collaboratively with all sectors of society to protect our precious natural resources.
