KEY POINTS
- Ghana’s transport unions have pulled out of a planned protest against illegal mining (galamsey).
- The protest was initially aimed at raising awareness about the environmental damage caused by galamsey.
- Despite the unions’ withdrawal, environmental groups continue their fight against illegal mining activities.
Ghanaian transport unions have pulled out their support for a planned demonstration against ‘galamsey’ or illegal mining. This has led to discussions as this protest was also to draw attention to environmental implication of non-checked mining activities. Galamsey has been a topical issue in Ghana for quite some time now, and it is a menace to the environment, water bodies and the people.
The unions, which comprise a large number of transport workers in the country, were to support the protest by the environmental organizations. However, certain transformations that have occurred recently compiled them to withdraw from the action, which puts the fate of the protest into doubt.
Reasons behind the withdrawal
The unions said that the decision to withdraw was informed by the fact that they feared that their operations could be affected and that they needed to concentrate on their core activities. Among the reasons provided by transport unions included concern that some individuals may stage an act of violence during the protest which would inconvenience their members as well as the public.
However, they said that they still supported efforts to address the problems associated with the illegal mining but at the same time wanted to concentrate on the problems of their own sector for now.
Galamsey is now a major environmental problem in Ghana where the miners have been found to have contributed immensely to deforestation, pollution of rivers and farmlands. The government of Ghana has over the years tried in one way or the other to curb these activities being carried out in the country but they are rampant as a result of the huge income from the business of illegal mining.
Environmental groups continue to press on
However, transport unions have withdrawn their support while environmental groups and other civil society organizations are willing to conduct the protest. Their aim is to draw more awareness to the environmental and social impacts of galamsey which has destroyed many ecosystems in the country. These groups contend that the impacts of such a social issue extend to community-members’ welfare and also to farming, water supply, and health.
GhanaWeb has reported that many Ghanaians are worried about the government’s approach to the fight against galamsey, some of whom think that the government should do more to safeguard the environment. The protest is being led by environmental groups who are demanding better implementation of the mining laws, restoration of the affected areas and more participation of the public in combating the menace of galamsey.
Hope for a greener future
However, the transport unions’ withdrawal means that only the environmental groups’ continued efforts can help to prevent further development of the illicit mining sector and protect Ghana’s resources in the future. The battle against galamsey may not be over anytime soon, but activists and conservationists can hold on to the hope that the future bright foruday sustainable solutions against the menace.
That is why issues such as are still conspicuous as the country tries to find the right balance in the growth of its economy to protect its natural environment. The decisions made today will determine the environmental future of Ghana and the fight for change goes on even with the occasional set back.
