A Ghanaian-Canadian, Ms. Elizabeth Allua Vaah has created an online petition to draw attention to the devastating effects of the illegal mining activity popularly know in the local parlance as galamsey in Ghanaian communities.
The author and financial analyst in the petition which has already gathered about 2,672 signatures said she “grew up in Aakonu, a small village along the beautiful, serene, River Amanzule in Ghana. My entire village fished for fish, crabs, and periwinkle snail from it, we bathed in it, played in it, and drank from it. We were refreshed daily from the life that thrived in it.”
“Unfortunately, unlike me, children in some areas of Ghana have been deprived of this beautiful connection with the bodies of water around them. #Galamsey (illegal mining and mining with fraudulently acquired license) by Chinese nationals, greedy Chiefs and politically connected Ghanaians, with protection from some members of the Ghana Armed Forces, have devastated entire virgin forests and water bodies.” – She cries
Recounting the state of affairs in her village and other mining communities, she said:
“Entire villages have been dug up leaving gullies. Water bodies and virgin forests plundered. Lagoons, rivers, lakes are near death and stagnation from mercury and silt. Children have drowned in gullies left uncovered by these activities. The destruction over the past 10 years show that unless something drastic is done, there will be devastating consequences in the affected areas (about a 3rd of Ghana) including the need to import water and food. We can’t stand unconcerned any more while GoG only pays lip service.”
Ms. Vaah needs 5000 signatures to get action on the petition. Follow this link to sign the petition
By: Efo Korsi Senyo / awakenewsroom.com
