"Galamsey" the destroyer of our water bodies and farmlands in Ghana - Story by Michael Dordzavu

     A water body destroyed by the activities of galamsey

Small-scale mining has been happening in the country for a couple of years now without any significant damage caused to our environment, that is, our cocoa farms, forest reserves and water bodies as these people were properly regulated. 

Now with the emergence of "galamsey", that is illegal mining in Ghana, the story is not a pleasant one to be told. The devastation and havoc this galamsey menace has brought upon the country is very much appalling and heartbreaking.

    A water body destroyed by the activities of galamsey

A picture of just one of the rivers polluted as a result of the activities of these illegal miners which has led to the destruction and pollution this water body  .

            River Ankobra polluted by galamey
   

 The plight of the cocoa farmers along these illegal mining communities is nothing to write home about as the farmlands of these cocoa farmers are destroyed by the activities of galamsey in their community. Some of these farmers are sometimes offered money in exchange of their lands for mining activities.

     River Ankobra polluted by galamey

The situation has led to a drastic reduction in the production of cocoa to the international market for sale. Ghana has fallen from the top to her neighbouring country due to the activities of galamsey in the country. Even some neighbouring countries are complaining of how the polluted water is gradually affecting them in farming. 

A forest area in the Volta Region of Ghana

This is beautiful forest vegetation in the Volta Region of Ghana which is among one of the 16 regions in Ghana. A forest with such has been protected and is unaffected by the activities of galamsey then, why can't the other chiefs and community leaders as well as our learn from this and preserve our farmlands, water bodies and forests where the activities of galamsey is going on.

A forest area in the Volta Region of Ghana

This forest reserves clearly shows that if the leaders are willing to put a stop to this menace, they can do it.

The citizens, union groups, civil society and the good people of Ghana are crying out to the government and people in leadership to quickly do something about the menace. Once a stop is not put to this, the country will in the near future face water crisis and start to import water into the country which is not a good call. 

The good people are on the streets protesting and netizens also advocating to the government to help put a stop to this.

Source: 87solutions.blogspot.com