The Convener of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, Ken Ashigbey, has alleged that proceeds from illegal mining ‘galamsey’ are being channeled into funding Ghana’s two major political parties.
Speaking at the Africa Water Week Partners Press Engagement on Galamsey on Monday, October 28, Ashigbey made the startling revelation about the deep-rooted connection between illegal mining and political party financing.
“The reason why we are not getting any response despite the push is because the illicit funds from galamsey are funding the two political parties,” Ashigbey stated,
Ing. Ashigbey expressed deep concern over the apparent disregard for human life and the environment as Ghana grapples with the escalating impacts of illegal small-scale mining.
He lamented the alarming health issues emerging in mining communities, noting that individuals exposed to mercury toxicity are being treated with expensive experimental drugs with little immediate hope for recovery.
Ing. Ashigbey recounted harrowing tales of sickness and death related to illegal mining, citing a six-week-old infant whose death was linked to environmental toxins such as mercury used in illegal mining.
Speaking further at the press briefing, Ing. Ashigbey called for a state of emergency to protect Ghana’s water bodies, asserting that without decisive action, the country risks irreparable harm to its environment and public health.
“Human life means nothing to us,” Ing. Ashigbey lamented, referring to the increasing number of fatalities linked to illegal mining pits. He highlighted the urgency for citizens to mobilize against the threat posed by galamsey, emphasizing the necessity of citizens to pressure political leaders into action.
Ing. Ashigbey further urged the media and civil society organizations to play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the crisis. “We need to care about our lives and what we leave for future generations,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has launched the Red Band Campaign, encouraging citizens to wear red on Fridays as a symbol of protest against the government’s inaction to curtail the galamsey menace.
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