Ken Ashigbey Reiterates Call for State of Emergency Amid Rising Health Concerns Linked to Galamsey
In a passionate address during the Africa Water Week Partners Press Engagement on Galamsey on Monday, October 28, Ing. Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, highlighted the dire consequences of illegal mining activities on the country’s water bodies and public health.
Ing. Ashigbey expressed deep concern over the apparent disregard for human life and the environment as Ghana grapples with the escalating impacts of illegal small-scale mining widely known as galamsey.
He lamented the alarming health issues emerging in mining communities, noting that individuals exposed to mercury toxicity are being treated with expensive experimental drugs with little immediate hope for recovery.
Ing. Ashigbey recounted harrowing tales of sickness and death related to illegal mining, citing a six-week-old infant whose death was linked to environmental toxins such as mercury used in illegal mining.
The Convener of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, criticized the lack of governmental response and political will to combat illegal mining, stating that neither the current administration nor the parliamentary candidates have adequately addressed the ongoing crisis.
“We wrote to the NDC and the NPP, but none have responded and there is no clear commitment from both parties on how to deal with the menace because some of the illicit funds from the galamsey are being used to fund the political parties,” he noted, urging citizens to demand accountability from their leaders.
Speaking further at the press briefing, Ing. Ashigbey called for a state of emergency to protect Ghana’s water bodies, asserting that without decisive action, the country risks irreparable harm to its environment and public health.
“Human life means nothing to us,” Ing. Ashigbey lamented, referring to the increasing number of fatalities linked to illegal mining pits. He highlighted the urgency for citizens to mobilize against the threat posed by galamsey, emphasizing the necessity of citizens to pressure political leaders into action.
Ing. Ashigbey further urged the media and civil society organizations to play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the crisis. “We need to care about our lives and what we leave for future generations,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has launched the Red Band Campaign, encouraging citizens to wear red on Fridays as a symbol of protest against the government’s inaction to curtail the galamsey menace.
