A political and youth activist, Mr. Agbenya Precious, has petitioned the government to take decisive action against illegal miners in response to the devastating environmental impact of their activities. In the petition addressed to the President and copied to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Water Resource Commission, the Special Prosecutor, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr. Agbenya called for legal action and asset recovery against individuals responsible for water and environmental pollution.
According to Mr. Agbenya, the activities of illegal small-scale miners, commonly known as galamsey operators, have wreaked havoc on Ghana’s water bodies and ecosystems, posing a significant threat to public health. He cited the contamination of rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin with mercury, cyanide, and silt, which compromises drinking water, agriculture, and biodiversity.
The activist expressed concern that certain politically connected individuals, including the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, have allegedly played a role in these illegal operations, either directly or indirectly profiting from them. Mr. Agbenya emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into all public figures and private actors suspected to be profiting from galamsey activities, with a transparent and independent legal process.
The petition also calls for the freezing and auditing of assets of those found to be complicit, pending the outcome of legal proceedings. Mr. Agbenya suggested that the government should seize and repurpose illicit assets for use in purifying and restoring Ghana’s polluted water bodies, providing clean drinking water to affected communities, funding environmental education, and supporting anti-galamsey enforcement operations.
Furthermore, Mr. Agbenya urged the government to publicly disclose investigation findings and ensure accountability, regardless of the culprits’ political affiliations. He emphasized the need for the vigorous enforcement of environmental protection laws without political bias.
The activist warned that Ghana is at risk of water scarcity and ecological collapse if the galamsey menace is not addressed. He noted that the activities of illegal miners have caused economic and health damage that will last for generations. Mr. Agbenya stressed that justice and restitution are essential for national unity, environmental recovery, and the rule of law.
In conclusion, Mr. Agbenya emphasized that the youth of the country stand for environmental justice, accountability, and transparency, and that public officials should not be allowed to act with impunity while communities suffer and innocent citizens are affected.
