Press Release: Asante Youth Association Commends Organised Labour and Calls for Immediate Action to End Galamsey

For Immediate Release.
The Asante Youth Association (AYA) wholeheartedly commends Organised Labour for taking decisive action against all mining activities both legal and illegal (galamsey). We fully stand by their decision to halt these operations that have caused irreparable damage to our environment, communities, and future

Over the years, AYA has observed with growing concern the devastating impact of galamsey on our forest reserves, water bodies, and the health of our people. In various communities across the Ashanti Region, particularly in areas like Obuasi and the Manso enclave, illegal mining has caused massive destruction. Water sources have been polluted, exposing residents to harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.

This has led to serious health consequences, including respiratory and waterborne diseases, posing grave risks to the well-being of entire communities.
Research indicates that within the next two years, Obuasi, once a thriving mining town, may no longer have clean water to drink. Further studies in the Manso enclave predict an alarming rise in cancer cases over the next seven years, directly linked to the pollution caused by galamsey activities.
In light of these disturbing findings, the Asante Youth Association urgently calls on the government to take immediate and decisive actions as follows;

1. We demand, with immediate effect, the removal of the Ashanti Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, the Ashanti Regional Manager of the Minerals Commission, and their district managers who have allowed galamsey to thrive under their watch. These officials have failed to protect our natural resources, and they must be held accountable.

2. We appeal to the government to heavily resource the Water Resources Management Unit in the Ashanti Region. This unit needs a significant facelift and proper decentralization of the offices of the Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, and Water Resources Management to every district. These offices must be adequately resourced and empowered to tackle the galamsey menace effectively.

If the government fails to act swiftly and remove these negligent officials, the Asante Youth Association will be compelled to take positive defiance actions against these technocrats who have failed in their duty to protect our land and people.
It is time to put an end to galamsey and safeguard the future of our environment, health, and communities.

Signed,
Asante Youth Association
11th September, 2024.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Tweneboa Kodua (General Secretary)
0248833353
Hon. Joseph Oppong Boadi (Vice President)
0200456093
Dr. Ronald A. Ofori (President)
0202453699