In a bold and direct accusation, the National Youth for Peace (NYP), a not-for-profit organisation, has called on the public to hold traditional authorities (Nananom) directly accountable for the scourge of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, ravaging the country.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Eric Baffoe Nyarko, the group asserted that as the custodians of the land, Nananom have “failed in this sacred duty,” allowing greedy individuals to destroy the environment for personal gain.
“It is time for both traditional leaders and government officials to prioritize the future of our environment over short-term gains,” the group stated in a press release.
The National Youth for Peace strongly opposed calls for a state of emergency against galamsey, warning that such a move would “worsen poverty and hardship” in mining communities where it is the main source of livelihood.
Instead, the group proposed a four-point solution, which includes the registration of all miners, recruiting them into a National Afforestation Program to reclaim degraded lands, and the privatization of polluted rivers for fish farming.
“Anyone found engaging in illegal mining after these measures should face the full force of the law,” the release added, signed by Executive Director Eric Baffoe Nyarko.
The statement concluded with a powerful call to action, urging Nananom to “rise up and fulfill their duty” to protect the nation’s natural heritage for future generations.
Story By: Anne-Marie Deedei Ayerson
