The Knights of St. John International and Ladies’ Auxiliary has called on the government to move beyond rhetoric and take strong, decisive steps against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
They urged President John Dramani Mahama to consider proposals already put forward by the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, religious bodies, civil society organisations, and academia, including calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in heavily affected areas, rather than simply organizing engagements.Ghana travel guides
Their appeal comes as civil society organisations prepare to meet the President at the Jubilee House to deliberate on the menace of illegal mining.
Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of the 12th Biennial Supreme Subordinate Convention in Kumasi, the Supreme Subordinate Commandery President of the Knights of St. John International, Major General William Edmund Adjei, stressed that the time for dialogue has passed.
“Let me be very honest with you, where we have gotten to in the fight against galamsey, it is not talk matter. It is action. And I don’t believe anybody in government does not know what must be done.
“Do you need a meeting like that to know what must be done? I don’t think so. But all said and done, I respect government for the initiative. I only pray it will not be another talk show. What is important now is action, not talk.”
He further noted that while advocacy is essential, it must be sustained with pressure to ensure lasting results in the fight against illegal mining.
“One thing you must realize is that you don’t stop until the evil stops. Issuing one statement is only the first step. You must continue to put pressure until the evil ends. Just drive across the country and look at the water bodies.
“We are the people affected, and our children will come to suffer. So the advocacy should not stop. We must continue the pressure until it ends.”
Major General Adjei lamented the devastation caused by illegal mining to rivers and water bodies across the country, warning that future generations will bear the consequences if immediate action is not taken.
Source: CitiNewsroom
