In a passionate appeal after the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service, the President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Engr. Henry Boateng, called on the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration to take immediate and concrete steps to address the devastating impacts of illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
According to Engr. Boateng, the destructive toll galamsey continues to have on public health, the environment, and the nation’s natural resources is alarming.
He acknowledged that the NDC’s new government had outlined ambitious plans to reform key sectors, including healthcare, education, and the fight against corruption.
However, he stressed that no issue was more urgent than the growing threat posed by illegal mining activities.
“The effects of galamsey are far-reaching. Beyond the loss of precious resources, it is damaging our ecosystems, poisoning water sources, and putting the health of our communities at risk.
“It is imperative that we take immediate action to stop this menace, as it poses a direct threat to our nation’s future,” he said.
He went on to commend the government for its ongoing efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the healthcare sector, particularly the resolve to complete abandoned health facilities started by the immediate past government, as well as tackling food shortages in Senior High Schools.
These initiatives, he argued, are steps in the right direction in improving the well-being of Ghanaians.
However, he reiterated that addressing galamsey must be at the top of the government’s agenda, especially as it continues to undermine both environmental and public health.
“This is not a battle that can be won in isolation,” he added. “It requires the cooperation of all Ghanaians—government, businesses, communities, and individuals—to join hands in the fight against illegal mining.”
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