Ghanaian gospel musician Cwesi Oteng is calling for stronger measures to be taken to address the issue of illegal mining, also known as “galamsey”.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Cwesi expressed his surprise at how illegal miners are able to operate without being caught.
He suggested that the system seems to have turned a blind eye to the situation, possibly due to support from wealthy individuals who engage in illegal mining activities. Cwesi emphasized the need for action to be taken by the relevant authorities to address the issue.
While acknowledging the deployment of military personnel to some mining sites to address the situation, Cwesi emphasized the importance of consistency in enforcing measures to curb illegal mining.
He expressed concern that if action is not taken promptly, the consequences of illegal mining on water bodies will eventually impact everyone.
This call for action comes in the wake of renewed discussions about illegal mining following protests and marches by various groups.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced plans to deploy additional military personnel to tackle galamsey, suspend mining in forest reserves, strengthen the prosecution of illegal mining cases, and establish a national pact on illegal mining.
