Founder of The Makers House Chapel International, Rev Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye has cautioned the government and stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey in Ghana, not to ‘throw away the baby together with the bath water.’
Admitting that galamsey has become a menace to society, destroying forest, farmlands and water bodies, Dr. Boadi Nyamekye however argues that the original concept of ‘Gather Them and Sell’ which was practiced in the past but has been corrupted as galamsey now, was not as destructive as seen today.
“Galamsey! ‘Gather them and Sell’, it has been with us and it’s going to be with us for a long time. If the government is not going to regulate it, it will not stop; if the government does not organize it, we will still have that disorder” Dr. Nyamekye said in an interview with Giovanni Caleb on the 3FM Drive show.
“I hear people talk about let’s stop galamsey, let’s stop galamsey. They should stop galamsey and do what? First of all, do we have alternative solutions because the guy that is going for the bush is looking for a job that is why he is there” Dr. Nyamekye added.
He further disclosed to 3FM that he has proffered some solutions to galamsey in his yet to be published article. According to him it should be a government policy to ensure that whatever form of mining one may be engaging in, they do not use chemicals that are harsh to the environment, they cover the pits, stay away from the water bodies and also do reafforestation to restore the dignity of the environment.
“In those days, ‘Gather Them and Sell’ was not digging. In my village when it rained the stream would always bring gold particles, so we gathered as well” Dr. Nyamekye revealed.
He reiterated that now that people are digging and going beneath the layers for the gold, it is important to start advocating for safer and responsible mining practices as well as ensuring the restoration of the land and forest after mining.
The Pastor cum Strategic Management lecturer once again vehemently condemned Galamsey in its current state, stating that it is affecting agriculture, destroying water and aquatic life, and wreaking havoc on the environment and health of the people.
‘I am against it, and I oppose that vehemently, however, the people that are doing it, they will claim it is their source of livelihood and what is their alternative. You are telling the people to stop but will you give the person money to feed. Are you going to create jobs for them that will pay competitively? ” He stated.
Dr. Boadi Nyamekye further entreats the government and stakeholders to come up with more innovative ideas to solve the galamsey menace.
“Ultimately, let’s make sure there are enough jobs created for the youth because nobody will sit down and allow starvation to kill them ” he admonished.
Watch full interview here:
