The Ghana Coalition against Galamsey (GCAG) has called on all presidential candidates contesting the 2024 general elections to sign a national pledge against illegal and irresponsible mining (galamsey) ahead of the December polls.
This call follows the recent signing of the 4th Presidential Peace Pact by political parties and their candidates, highlighting the need for a collective commitment to address critical national issues.
The GCAG, a broad-based coalition consisting of media representatives, organized labor, religious groups, youth organizations, academia, civil society, traditional leaders, and businesses, has formally reached out to the candidates with letters requesting their signatures on the anti-galamsey pledge.
In a statement, the coalition emphasized that signing the pledge would demonstrate a unified dedication to tackling galamsey, which continues to pose severe threats to Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and overall environmental sustainability.
The pledge is intended to be a crucial step toward safeguarding the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
“By signing this pact, Presidential candidates will affirm their political will and demonstrate leadership in combating this urgent issue, which has devastating implications for the nation’s environment, economy, and public health,” the coalition stated.
The GCAG underscored the gravity of the issue, warning that failure to sign the pledge could contribute to the continuation of the environmental crisis and its harmful effects on the nation.
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the GCAG will announce the presidential candidates who have signed the pledge, marking a key moment in the election campaign as Ghana seeks to address the growing challenges of illegal mining.
