The Manso area in Ghana’s Ashanti region is facing an unprecedented galamsey crisis, with illegal mining activities spiraling out of control. Multimedia journalist Erastus Asare Donkor has sounded the alarm, calling for the reassignment of all security personnel in the area. According to Donkor, the security agencies tasked with protecting the land are allegedly taking bribes from galamseyers, further fueling the destruction of the environment.
The Devastating Impact of Galamsey
Galamsey has ravaged the Manso area, destroying vast tracts of land, polluting water bodies, and causing significant health hazards. Local residents have lost their livelihoods, and the environment is under severe threat. The situation has become so dire that some youth in the area now view galamsey as their birthright, further exacerbating the problem.
Calls for Action
Prominent figures, including Kojo Preko Dankwa, have demanded accountability and transparency in the utilization of the Minerals Development Fund. Dankwa questions why communities like Manso, which suffer the direct impact of mining, remain impoverished and neglected. There are also calls for the government to take decisive action against galamsey, including deploying robust measures to enforce existing laws and regulations.
Recent Clashes and Arrests
In a recent clash between residents of Manso Bonteso and the anti-galamsey task force, five people were feared dead, and several others were injured. The incident highlights the volatile nature of the galamsey crisis and the need for a comprehensive solution. The police have arrested several individuals, including an assembly member, in connection with the clash.
A Way Forward
To address the galamsey crisis, experts suggest a multi-faceted approach, including:
– Community Mobilization: Engaging local communities in the fight against galamsey and providing alternative livelihoods.
– Robust Enforcement: Strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems to prosecute galamsey offenders effectively.
– Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring transparency in the utilization of mining revenues and holding accountable those involved in illegal activities.