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The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has warned that if the government does not move swiftly to stop illicit mining, commonly known as galamsey, Ghana may soon experience a statewide water crisis.
During a fact-finding mission to evaluate the condition of water treatment plants in the Kwanyako, Brim, and Akyem districts of the Central and Eastern Regions, the nation’s largest labor union sounded the alarm.
In an interview with JoyNews, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah called the situation “deeply troubling,” admitting that certain facilities are on the verge of closing due to galamsey pollution.
“It’s really sad. What we have heard and seen with our own eyes this morning is alarming,” he stated.
“If we don’t take immediate action, it’s going to be very difficult. …They’ve had to install a new pump at the surface just to draw a little water for use. If urgent steps are not taken, the entire plant could shut down, and water will become a scarce commodity for Ghanaians.”
Mr. Ansah urged President John Mahama to impose a state of emergency in order to address the illicit mining problem directly, threatening to force the TUC to make “a drastic decision” if the government does nothing.
Although today has depressed us, it has also made us more determined. “We will demand that the government take practical steps to put an end to galamsey permanently, no matter what it takes to do so.” A state of emergency is required and urgent.
He also mentioned that the TUC leadership was going to meet to discuss the next course of action following the completion of their statewide inspection.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
