Former president of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Affail Monnie, has urged the government to intensify efforts in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, the fight against galamsey is possible however current measures are not enough to win it.
Speaking on Joy News on September 23, Mr. Monnie described the fight against against galamsey as ‘winnable.’
“The fight against galamsey is winnable but we are not there yet,” he stated.
“The signs are still ominous and there is the need to put these ominous signs in the dustbin and make a fresh start.”
He called for firmer and a more decisive action against those behind the menace.
“First of all, pluck up the political will, deal surgically with the perpetrators of galamsey,” he urged.
Mr. Monnie acknowledged some progress, pointing to the deployment of the military to forest reserves as a positive step.
“One step which is highly commendable is the stationing of soldiers in the forest reserves. We are told about 8 of the forest reserves have been reclaimed,” he noted.
However, he said that the gains are too minuscule to make a significant impact in the fight against galamsey.
Calling for greater urgency, he said government must strengthen and intensify the current approach to ensure results.
“The process must be thickened. The process must be injected with fire which will burn the perpetrators and safeguard this country for the present and future generations,” Affail Monnie stressed.
