Connect with us

Editorial

 Let’s fight ‘galamsey’ head-on

 Illegal small-scale mining, known as ‘galamsey,’ is wreaking havoc on our communities and environ­ment. It is imperative that we act now to put an end to this practice before future generations suffer as a result.

Galamsey has significantly contributed to habitat destruction, devastation of farmlands, and pol­lution of the air, water, and soil.

Horrifying sights of stillborn newborns with malformations in galamsey locations are all attribut­ed to galamsey in Ghana.

Many health problems, includ­ing cancer, mercury poisoning, and respiratory disorders, are brought on by the pollution of our water bodies, which makes it difficult for people to access clean drinking water.

Advertisement

Mosquitoes are thriving in the runoff water from abandoned mine holes because of the deteriorating environment. As a result, Ghana’s natural beauty has declined.

Galamsey is primarily to blame for Ghana’s low food production, fluctuations in food prices, and high cost of living, particularly in areas where the practice is common as it displaces farmers.

Unfortunately, it appears that the more we discuss this subject, the more ‘galamseyers’ engage in their illicit operations with impuni­ty, seriously harming the environ­ment in the process. This is what makes the situation so unsettling.

It is clear that people who participate in the practice have no regard for the tremendous harm their acts cause to the environment and local residents’ health, among other things. Their only concern is maximising their profits at the expense of others.

Advertisement

In fact, tourists looking for sustainable destinations may be discouraged by these detrimental effects on the environment which is endangering both the current and the future generations.

What kind of legacy are we leaving for future generations, and where is Ghana headed?

The Spectator is pleading with the authorities to act right now because these illicit operations are endangering the health and safety of the communities around them and nobody is safe.

There are more people going into galamsey, and those who do so say there are no jobs available. Even women can occasionally be drawn into galamsey, despite the fact that it is typically associated with men.

Advertisement

According to available data, the threat of galamsey is linked to child fatalities, cognitive impairments that impair children’s ability to learn, and congenital malforma­tions. We are therefore pushing for more research on the detrimental effects of galamsey on women’s and children’s health.

We hope the government will create more job opportunities for the youth.

We also implore the govern­ment to collaborate with religious bodies, Civil Society Organisations, traditional authoritis, communities among others to take urgent steps to fight the menace of galamsey, especially by upholding the legisla­tion that forbids it in order to cre­ate a healthy environment for all.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Editorial

Clubs must be proactive to prevent violence at home grounds

Dear Editor,

The recent disturbances during a Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Sunday, February 2 in Nsoatre in the Bono region, which tragically resulted in the death of a dedicated supporter of Kotoko, have revealed the deep security issues affecting the growth of Ghana football.

The incident reveals the increasing lawlessness and violent behaviour of some football fans during and after games, the lack of proper security measures in place, and the failure to address violence in Ghanaian football.

Football is meant to unite, inspire, and entertain, not to claim lives. The loss of Francis Yaw Frimpong, aka Nana Pooley, is something that should never have happened, and justice must be served.

The Ghana Police Service has taken bold and expected steps by arresting suspects, but this should only be the beginning of a huge effort in eradicating football-related violence across the country.

Also, clubs should be held accountable for their actions and ensure proper measures to keep their venues security-ready and safe.

Strict punishments must be meted to people who involve themselves in football-related violence. Those found guilty of inciting or participating in hooliganism should face lifetime bans from venues with heavy fines and criminal prosecution.

To act as a deterrent, clubs whose supporters commit violent crimes should also be subject to severe sanctions, such as fines and point deductions. Additionally, campaigns for education and awareness must be planned in order to inform supporters who act ignorantly due to emotion and a lack of knowledge about the repercussions.

Finally, in order to stop additional harm, everyone should have access to better compensation and support for referees and players. Dissatisfaction with refereeing calls or unfavourable match conditions are the primary causes of violent events. Some of these conflicts can be avoided by making sure referees are properly protected, rewarded, and trained. Players, too, need to feel safe when stepping onto the pitch, knowing that their careers and lives are not at risk.

This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call for all football lovers and demand concrete actions to be taken to prevent more violence and the possible collapse of our domestic league and damage to Ghana’s football reputation. The GFA, clubs, security agencies, and fans must come together to fight this cancer, which is almost taking over our game.

Advertisement

Enoch Ntiamoah,

Nkawkaw

Continue Reading

Editorial

Our MPs must show good character

Dear Editor,

I am one of the many Ghanaians that got disappointed over recent happenings in Ghana’s legislative house, Parliament.

It is a house of ‘Honourables’ and on paper, nothing can erase that or take that away from them.

However, they have a lot of work to do if they want Ghanaians to maintain that high respect and regard we have for them.

Advertisement

The behaviour of the Members of Parliament, especially those on the minority NPP at the Vetting Committee left Ghanaians so disappointed in them.

It looks funny sometimes watching how they shoved each other and destroy tables and microphones, properties acquired with the taxpayers money. Clearly, they don’t care how our resources were spent but that is a duty.

Despite the apologies offered, I think members involved in the fracas must wholeheartedly accept responsibility for their actions and together pay for the properties destroyed. For me, that will serve as true remorse.

Sammy Morgan,

Advertisement

Okaikwei

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending