Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, founder of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, has expressed concerns about the slow response to the terrible effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on Ghana’s water resources.
In an interview with the media, he expressed disappointment at the lack of urgency and support from key stakeholders, including government officials and political leaders, in addressing this critical issue.
He criticized the government for it’s neglect on the water pollution crisis, despite repeated pleas from civil society groups, including his Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, to declare a state of emergency.
He emphasized the gravity of the situation by citing stark statistics, “At the Amanfrom Water Treatment Plant, turbidity levels reached a staggering 14,000 NTUs in August, far exceeding the acceptable limit of 1 NTU after treatment. This is a full-blown crisis!”
Dr. Ashigbey suggested a unified approach to tackle the water pollution crisis, bringing together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including labour unions, religious leaders, and civil society organizations.
He emphasized on the need for collective action to push the government into taking concrete and decisive measures.
“The coalition’s approach, is to rally public support and apply sustained pressure on the government to drive meaningful change” he explained.
He expressed hope that, President Nana Akufo-Addo would respond urgently to their appeal and declare a state of emergency before the coalition launches its planned actions on Wednesday, averting the need for further pressure.
