Galamsey Menace: Why We Are Still Battling It

Galamsey, as we have come to know it is a real menace in Ghana. Galamsey is a coined word used to describe illegal artisanal mineral extracting process, which relies heavily on manpower under very harmful working conditions. Galamsey workers do so at the detriment of the environment and the public health of society. 

I do not seek to elaborate on the effects of galamsey: these troubles are well documented. The menace of galamsey has been with us for half a century now, but without hope of a solution. 

I have been searching for answers to why this illegal small scale mining is on the increase. Very graciously, the constitution of our land has a solid prognosis. According to Article 257 (6) of the constitution of our republic and Section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006, every mineral in its natural state in water and upon any land in Ghana, streams, rivers, water courses throughout Ghana, exclusive economic zone and any area covered by the sea or continental shelf is the property of the Republic of Ghana and shall be vested in the President on behalf and in trust for the People of Ghana. 

The aforementioned provision in our law is unequivocal on whose jurisdiction mineral resources lay. It is not only the mandate of the president to protect our mineral resources but also, he/she is to ensure each and every Ghanaian lives in a safe environment. Unfortunately, we have not seen enough commitment made in this regard. 

It is estimated that a total of about 50,000-300,000 persons engage in illegal mining. All these persons do so with only their personal interests at heart: the income they earn. But it is more disappointing to note that the office tasked to defend the interest of all Ghanaians has failed to do so. 

No president has been willing to incur the wrath of huge number of persons who form the galamsey chain, knowing very well any brave action to do so would have dire consequences for the politician at the polls. Talks of the supervisory role of parliament are also undermined by the political system we practice. Majority in parliament will not risk losing their status due to galamsey activities. 

The lack of political will to end galamsey has brought us where we are.  

My Foray Into Volunteerism Together With UHAS Colleagues in Ho Villages

My good self during a media session

On 3^rd September, my colleagues and l took to the Tanyigbe and Tokokoe communities of the Ho Central constituency for a medical outreach programme. 

The initiative was manned by our students volunteer group-United Nations Association of Ghana, University of Health and Allied Sciences Chapter- in collaboration with Salvation Grace Outreach, Ho and Calvary Intercessors Network Outreach.

As early as 6:30am, a colleague of mine and l had arrived at the Tanyigbe Senior High School (SHS) campus, ahead of the rest of the team. We needed to give a health talk to the people of Atidze via the community information centre and we had to do it early because the indigenes, who are mostly farmers, set off for farm early in the morning. We educated the community on malaria, anaemia, alcoholism, sexually transmitted diseases and family planning methods.

Before we had returned to the SHS campus, the rest of the team from UHAS had arrived-28 of them in total. The main business was set to begin. We arranged a quasi-hospital each on the Tanyigbe SHS compound and Atidze-in the house of a philanthropist. The set up comprised of nurses table, consulting area, family planning unit, dietetics unit and pharmacy.

The selfless team

In addition, there was extensive given to the beneficiaries who were waiting in our makeshift Out Patient’s Department (OPD). Furthermore, a good number of volunteers entered the villages on a mission of “medical evangelism”.

Prior to our going to the communities, a gross survey indicated the major health challenges in the villages as anaemia, malaria, simple cough and poor family planning methods. But we were taken aback by the several cases of hypertension and body pains-which can be attributed to lifestyle and old age. I can bet that there was a good number of diabetes cases too, but we could not ascertain that because we did not have the appropriate testing equipment.

Out partners, Salvation Grace Outreach, Ho and Calvary Intercessors Network Outreach put the icing on the cake by donating food items and wearables to the community members.

A colleague doing routine checks

At the end of the day, over 400 persons benefitted from the clinical procedure, whilst the health education reached a countless number.

The feeling was great. It still feels great. It was so refreshing to see how the community