Awulah Serwah, Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens, has called on politicians to join the fight against the rampant illegal mining activities known as galamsey.
Speaking on ABC IN THE MORNING on Wednesday, she emphasized the urgent need for all political leaders to lend their voices to the course, so the electorate can clearly understand the candidates’ positions on this pressing issue.
“We Eco-Conscious Citizens are calling on all persons fighting for political offices to subscribe to these demands as well,” she stated, highlighting the importance of accountability in the political arena.
Despite the clarity of the demands put forth, Serwah lamented the lack of decisive action taken by those in power.
She expressed the necessity for a strike, stating, “it is no one’s pleasure to go on strike, but drastic actions need to be taken to get the government to sit up. We only have one government.”
Her comments came during a panel discussion on October 8, 2024, where she underscored the grave implications of galamsey on the nation’s environment and its people.
Supporting these sentiments, the Ghana Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Platform has pledged its backing for the organized labor’s strike against galamsey.
They have pointed to the severe impacts of illegal mining on the country’s sustainable development goals and demanded immediate government action.
The platform condemned the widespread destruction caused by galamsey, which poses threats to rural livelihoods, public health, food security, and natural resources.
The calls for action include revoking licenses for mining in forest reserves and across water bodies, while various organizations like the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) and UTAG-UG have initiated support for the strike.
