Speaker Alban Bagbin Calls on President Akufo-Addo: Take Action Now Against Galamsey
Illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, continues to ravage Ghana’s environment, threatening the country’s vital resources. This growing menace has led to a passionate call for immediate action from the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Kingsford Alban Bagbin, who urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to step in decisively and bring the situation under control.
Bagbin didn’t mince words, voicing his concern about the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana’s forests, rivers, and future.
“Mr. President, we are witnessing the destruction of our environment on an unimaginable scale. If this is allowed to continue, we’ll not only be damaging our ecosystem but also robbing future generations of their rightful inheritance,” he said in a heartfelt plea. His message hit home for many Ghanaians who have seen firsthand the damage caused by illegal mining.
Reflecting on the Past: A Dream for Ghana
In an emotional reflection, Speaker Bagbin shared a rare photograph of himself alongside President Akufo-Addo from their early days in politics. The image captured two young, passionate politicians eager to shape the future of Ghana for the better. Bagbin reminded the President of their shared vision for a better Ghana, a country where natural resources are preserved and used wisely, not destroyed by illegal activities.
“We didn’t get into politics to watch our country be torn apart like this. Our generation wanted to uplift Ghana, not stand by while it’s torn down,” Bagbin stressed. The Speaker’s message struck a chord, not only because of the environmental crisis at hand but also due to the larger issue of leadership accountability.
Galamsey: A Growing Threat to Ghana’s Water and Forests
Ghana’s water bodies and vegetative cover are under severe threat from illegal mining activities. Experts have warned that if galamsey is not stopped, Ghana may face the horrifying prospect of importing water in the near future. Rivers have been polluted, forests cleared, and entire ecosystems disrupted by the illegal miners operating without regard for the law.
“The destruction of our rivers and forests is more than an environmental issue—it’s a threat to our very existence,” Bagbin lamented. The Speaker’s message reflects widespread fears about the future of Ghana’s natural resources and the pressing need for immediate action.
The environmental impact isn’t the only issue, though. Bagbin also called out the detention of anti-galamsey demonstrators who had been peacefully protesting against the ongoing destruction. He urged the government to release these individuals, pointing out that they were simply exercising their democratic right to speak out against the illegal practices harming their country.
A National Failure Looming: “We Cannot Fail Ghana”
Speaker Bagbin didn’t stop there. He also warned that if the current political leadership fails to address the galamsey crisis, they would be seen as the generation that allowed the destruction of Ghana’s environment for short-term political gain.
“We cannot hold onto power and stand by while the environment is destroyed. This will be a monumental failure if we allow this to continue,” Bagbin passionately declared, urging President Akufo-Addo to take a stronger stance against the illegal miners wreaking havoc on the nation’s landscape.
In recent months, protests and public outcries over galamsey have intensified, and Bagbin’s words have added fuel to the fire. His bold call for action comes at a time when many Ghanaians feel powerless against the ever-increasing scale of illegal mining operations.
A Shared Responsibility for Ghana’s Future
Bagbin’s plea wasn’t solely aimed at President Akufo-Addo. He called on all Ghanaians—politicians, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, and everyday citizens—to come together and fight the galamsey threat as a united front. His message was clear: the battle to save Ghana’s environment is one that requires the effort of every single person.
“It’s not just the President’s job or Parliament’s duty; it’s a responsibility we all share. If we don’t protect our country now, we will all bear the consequences,” Bagbin noted. The Speaker’s impassioned plea highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for collective action.
For more insights into how illegal mining is affecting the country, check out our article on Ghana’s Environmental Crisis: The urgent need to address galamsey
The Time to Act is Now: Ghana Deserves Better
In his closing remarks, Speaker Bagbin once again stressed the importance of swift and effective action. He emphasized that the longer the government delays decisive action, the more irreversible the damage becomes.
“Ghana deserves better. Our people deserve clean water, fertile land, and a future free from the threat of galamsey. The time to act is now,” Bagbin concluded, leaving no doubt that the fight against illegal mining is one that cannot be postponed.
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