Drone footage taken by a Ghanaian documentary filmmaker has revealed the devastating effect of illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, on the Ghanaian ecosystem.
The footage, taken in the Western Region between the dates of August 1st and 5th 2022, was released by Edem Srem.
The 3-minute video utilises drone footage to clearly illustrate the damage done to water bodies, lands and forests within the Western Region through the activities of illegal miners.
Despite the government’s loud claims about combating galamsey, all evidence seems to point to the fact that it is a losing battle.
All over the country’s mining enclave, towns and villages are having their water bodies constantly polluted as the menace grows stronger.
In his video, Srem gives a compelling look at the problem and calls attention to why drastic action is needed against the menace.
Watch the three-minute documentary below….
Galamsey has risen to the top of the public discourse in recent weeks due to several incidents.
Several weeks ago, the founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai popularly called Odike, sparked a firestorm in the country with comments critical of Otumfour over the issue of galamsey.
Speaking on Oyerepa Fm, he called out Otumfour and other chiefs for overseeing the destructive influence of galamsey without doing anything to stop it.
“My is directed at the occupant of the Golden Stool Otumfuo Osei Tutu and Manhyia. Nana, if you are listening, please listen well. Your ancestors, Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh and others, left us lands with water bodies intact…. Nana, the way you are looking on for us to lose our forests and water bodies to galamsey, what account are you going to give Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh when you die someday?” he questioned
“Offinsohene alone fought against galamsey until he died. But as soon as he died, they have taken over Offinso and its enclave. Otumfuo, all the divisions are under your watch. Is it good what is happening? You tend to dissociate yourself from the politicians, but you are active participants like we would not be in this position. If Manhyia does not rise, I will stage a demonstration against you. The menace would not fester if you had nothing to do with it. I will mobilise the youth of Ashanti to register our displeasure because we have realised you are part of it.” he fired.
The aftermath of his comments led to Manhyia chiefs slaughtering a goat to place a curse on him and the platform he made his comments, Oyerepa Fm being temporarily shut down.
Meanwhile, Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang miraculously surfaced in Ghana after her supposed deportation in 2018.
Source: theGhanaianVoice.Com
