Sustain fight against galamsey

The country has been united in protests against illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey. The campaign has been spear-headed by the media and it seems to be having the desired impact. Galamsey has been cited as one of the major causes of water pollution in many communities. Many rivers and streams that serve the needs of natives have been destroyed or polluted as a result of illegal mining.

 

There are concerns that if illegal mining is not effectively managed or curtailed, the country may have to import drinking water in the near future. Additionally, farm lands and important trees are being destroyed. Concerns about the risk open pits, left after galamsey activities, can also not be dismissed. Many children who should have been in school, have rather ended up at galamsey sites allured by the glitter of gold as they struggle to make ends meet.

 

Past governments have made several attempts to check the menace of galamsey but it has been a difficult threat to deal

with. Many people believe that the menace cannot be completely eradicated.

 

Indeed, there are reports that some of these galamsey operators are influential people who have managed to bribe their ways out of any trouble with security agencies.

 

The latest push for sanity in the mining sector is, therefore, a very heart warming development that has the potential to protect our environment and instil some more discipline in the small scale mining sector.

 

It is expected that the campaign will be sustained to help ensure that its lofty goals are attained.