The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has expressed concern over the government's failure to demonstrate the political will necessary to tackle the growing menace of illegal mining, also known as "galamsey."
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, October 15, during the resumption of the House, Dr. Ato Forson emphasised that the government's inaction is exacerbating the already dire environmental situation.
Dr. Ato Forson went on to warn that the ongoing illegal mining activities are pushing Ghana toward what he described as "environmental genocide."
He noted that the destruction of water bodies, forests, and farmlands caused by galamsey is having severe repercussions on the country’s natural resources and the health of its citizens.
The Minority Leader also highlighted the long-term consequences of illegal mining, which include the contamination of water bodies with harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
According to Dr. Forson, these pollutants are already affecting the well-being of Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas who depend on these resources for survival.
In his remarks, Dr. Forson called for immediate and decisive action from the government to address the illegal mining crisis.
He urged the administration to prioritize the fight against galamsey, warning that failure to do so could lead to irreversible environmental damage and threaten the future of the nation.
"Rt. Hon. Speaker, it appears we are at war against ourselves, and the destructive effects are frightening and far-reaching. The reckless and criminal discharge of heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cyanide into our waterbodies and lands have already begun to have dire consequences on our health."
"Medical experts have delivered a scary verdict on babies being born with various deformities such as the absence of limbs, eyes and other vital body parts. Mr. Speaker, we are at a crises point. At the heart of this crisis is leadership failure, official complicity and lack of political will by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government," he stated.
