Sheikh Arimiyawo Shaibu, a member of the National Peace Council and the spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, has expressed support for stopping the practice of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, in Ghana amid recent efforts to end it.
He said he was pleased with President Akufo-Addo’s dedication to the battle against galamsey in an interview with Joy News.
“I was really excited when you told the whole nation that if it meant putting your presidency on the line to fight galamsey, you would do it. It meant you were prepared to leave power if you failed in this. You still have time to act,” he said.
He emphasized that the President still has around three months to act decisively against galamsey, issuing a dire warning that the issue is becoming worse every day and requires immediate response.
A few weeks ago, the Ghana Water Company Limited issued an alert regarding the consequences of illicit mining in the Central Region, which would make water conservation difficult in the near future. Sheikh Arimiyawo voiced worry about the possible effects this would have in the future on the nation.
“Galamsey is becoming worse. The devastation is widening. The threat to our very survival—because we might lose our sources of water—is increasing. It is threatening the very foundation of our peace,” he said
Sheikh Shaibu urged the President to focus on leaving a lasting legacy, even if tackling galamsey becomes his most significant achievement.
“You are the President, the first gentleman of the country. We want you to leave a legacy. Let us remember you for the best of things.
“If your action against galamsey is the only thing that you achieve, let posterity remember you as the President who saw our country being devastated by galamsey and took action to stop it,” he stated.
He urged traditional chiefs to keep away from illegal mining in his closing remarks, noting that excavators frequently utilize local roads to reach mining areas.
In an effort to stop illegal mining, he also exhorted the youth to vote against members of parliament who engage in similar activities.
Source: Adomonline.com