Galamsey putting future of Ghana’s children at risk – Duncan-Williams
Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has warned that the continued destruction caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is putting the future of Ghana’s children and grandchildren at risk.
He said the activities of illegal miners are destroying the country’s water bodies and farmlands, with serious implications for food production and the well-being of future generations.
Speaking at a church service on Sunday, August 16, Archbishop Duncan-Williams said he was increasingly concerned about how Ghana was managing its natural resources and the long-term consequences of the damage being caused.
“I take time to study history a lot, and some things are bothering me and one of them is how we are managing the future of our children and our grandchildren when it comes to our water bodies, when it comes to the land that produces crops and the food we eat,” he said.
“We are poisoning the land. There are so many things we are doing.”
He said the effects of illegal mining should not be viewed only as a present-day problem, stressing that the destruction of water bodies and agricultural land could affect generations yet unborn.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams also criticised the politicisation of efforts to enforce laws against illegal mining, arguing that political interests have contributed to the persistence of lawlessness.
“If anybody tries to make it work and enforce the law, we turn everything to politics,” he said.
He added that some political leaders may be reluctant to enforce the law because of concerns about losing votes or parliamentary seats.
“And so because people don’t want to lose their seat in parliament, or they don’t want their party to lose, they give in and allow lawlessness to continue,” he said.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams subsequently called for prayers for the country, saying he intended to devote more time to intercession because of his concerns about Ghana’s future.
