MP Calls for Urgent Action Against Galamsey, Describes Crisis as “Chemical Warfare”

Accra, Ghana – The rising tide of illegal mining, known as galamsey, has prompted a stark warning from Klottey Korle MP Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who described the situation as “chemical warfare on an unprecedented scale.”

In a recent LinkedIn post, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings expressed grave concerns about the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana’s natural resources, public health, and governance. She lamented the destruction of water bodies and forests, stating, “I am haunted by the horrible images… What we are seeing is the tip of the iceberg.”

The MP called for testing of both surface and underground water by the Ghana Standards Authority, suggesting that such measures would reveal the extent of contamination affecting the nation. “That includes borehole water!” she emphasized, warning of long-lasting consequences for Ghanaians.

In her passionate appeal, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings linked the crisis to alarming public health issues, including rising rates of kidney failure, cancers, infant mortality, and water shortages. “Are we waiting for famine in the midst of poisoned plenty before we realize the urgency with which we must address this?” she questioned.

Highlighting the root causes of the crisis, she pointed to “greed and corruption” as significant factors fueling galamsey. “The galamsey that’s feeding the insatiable greed of some people is being kept happily alive by corruption,” she stated, criticizing the state’s failure to take decisive action against the illegal operations.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings also scrutinized the role of the executive branch and law enforcement agencies, asking, “Of what use are all the powers vested in the executive branch if not for a time such as this?” She warned against the erosion of public confidence in the government, suggesting that a vacuum could lead to vigilante actions for environmental protection.

Describing galamsey as a national security threat, she called for immediate, non-political action to combat the crisis. “It is time to act!!!” she declared, urging the government to prioritize the welfare of the people and the environment over political gain.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings concluded with a passionate plea for accountability and action: “For once, the right thing must be done in the interest of the present and future of the people and country we love so much!!!”

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