Convener of the One Ghana Movement Senyo Hosi has made an impassioned plea to President Nana Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency to combat the catastrophic effects of illegal mining on Ghana’s water bodies.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, September 11, he warned of dire consequences if immediate action is not taken, calling on all Ghanaians to rally against the scourge of “galamsey.”
“Children, my children’s children, and the future of your children mandate us to stand up for Ghana at this time,” Senyo Hosi urged.
“What we are witnessing today is nothing short of a disgrace — a total failure of leadership. Our Constitution places the country’s water bodies and natural resources in the trust of the President, but where is that trust? Where is the sense of responsibility?”
Senyo Hosi’s call to action follows a press conference where various civil society organisations, including the One Ghana Movement, issued an ultimatum to the government: address illegal mining within 18 days or face a withdrawal of services.
He stressed that illegal mining has contaminated 60% of Ghana’s water bodies, pushing the nation closer to a water crisis.
“We are sitting down, drinking tea and champagne, while 60% of our water is polluted,” he exclaimed. “We can’t continue governance this way. Water is life. What are we going to tell our children and our children’s children tomorrow?”
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Hosi cited projections from the Water Resources Commission, which warned that Ghana could run out of treatable water within the next eight years if the current rate of pollution continues.
“This is not a political fight; this is a fight for the soul and spirit of our country,” he declared.
“This is a fight for future generations that we must defend. The President should be ashamed because this is his core responsibility.”
Senyo Hosi lambasted the country’s leadership for their inaction and failure to protect the environment, accusing them of focusing on “short-term myopic interests” instead of the long-term well-being of the nation.
He implored citizens to take action and demand accountability from those in power.
“This nonsense must stop,” he declared.
“The President has the mandate, and it is his responsibility to protect our future. We are tired of being politically correct about this matter. It is time for all Ghanaians to stand up and demand real, tangible action against illegal mining before it is too late.”
The One Ghana Movement, along with other civil society organizations, plans to continue their advocacy and public mobilisation efforts, calling on all Ghanaians to take a stand to protect their water, land, and future generations.
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