Democracy Hub, organizers of the #FixTheCountry movement have called for the resignation of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor and other state officials.
According to the group’s convener, Naa Densuah, those in power have failed to effectively combat the illegal mining (galamsey) menace, which has led to the widespread depletion of Ghana’s forest reserves and the destruction of water bodies, among other environmental damages.
She stressed that this is not merely an environmental issue but a symptom of a broken system that prioritises profit and greed over governance and the well-being of the people.
“We are not just calling for an end to illegal mining; we are calling for the resignation of those who have allowed this crisis to fester. We demand the immediate resignation of the following officials: the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources; the heads of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Minerals Commission; and the Forestry Commission. These are the individuals who have failed to protect our environment.”
She further urged all Ghanaians to stand against illegal mining and corruption, emphasising that the future belongs to the youth.
“I say to you, rise. Young people of Ghana, rise and take your place at the forefront of this movement for change. Rise and demand a government that works for you, not against you. Rise and be the voice that says: galamsey must stop, corruption must end, and the future must be ours to shape.”
Conversations on galamsey and its dire impact arose after the management of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) announced severe water supply challenges in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities due to galamsey activities in the Pra River.
In a press statement signed and issued by the Central Regional Office of GWL on Friday, August 30, it explained that water sources have been polluted beyond reasoning limits, affecting processing and distribution for domestic and industrial use.
It further mentioned that the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plantplant is producing only 7,500m³/day, a quarter of its capacity, causing severe inconvenience to customers.