There is a collective responsibility to fight against illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey), the National Chief Imam, through his spokesperson, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, has said.
The National Chief Imam said this while issuing a call to action, addressing two of the most pressing challenges facing Ghana: illegal mining and the growing political tensions ahead of the country’s December 7 election.
The Imam’s statement came at a critical time when the impact of galamsey on the environment and the heightened campaign towards the election has raised national concern.
In his message, the Chief Imam expressed deep concern about the devastating effects of illegal mining on the nation’s water bodies and farmlands, particularly the cocoa farms that are vital to the economy.
He warned that the pollution caused by toxic substances like mercury from gold extraction could soon lead to a situation where Ghana is forced to import drinking water. He called on all citizens—from the President to local authorities and everyday Ghanaians—to take responsibility in addressing the galamsey crisis before it causes irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.
“We have been cautioned that if we do not act swiftly, we may face the unthinkable reality of importing drinking water,” the Chief Imam warned. “We all have a collective duty to stop this devastation.”
In addition to environmental concerns, the Chief Imam addressed the rising political tensions as the nation heads into the election season. He urged political leaders and stakeholders, particularly the Electoral Commission (EC), to ensure transparency and fairness in the election process. The Imam called on political parties to avoid inflammatory language and speeches that could incite violence, especially among the youth.
“No politician is worth the blood of any citizen,” the Chief Imam declared, emphasizing that Ghana’s hard-won peace and stability should not be jeopardized by political ambition. He called on all Ghanaians to prioritize peace during the election period and reminded the country that it has been blessed with security and stability since 1992, a gift that should not be taken for granted.
The Chief Imam’s message resonates at a time when both galamsey and political unrest pose serious threats to Ghana’s future, urging citizens and leaders alike to take responsibility and safeguard the nation’s resources and peace.
Key Highlights:
– The Chief Imam warned that illegal mining is poisoning Ghana’s water bodies and destroying farmland, urging urgent action to prevent a national crisis.
– He stressed that the upcoming elections should not result in bloodshed and called on political leaders to avoid inciting violence through their rhetoric.
– The Chief Imam called for national unity, accountability, and collective responsibility in tackling both the galamsey menace and ensuring peaceful elections.
As the nation grapples with these issues, the Chief Imam’s voice adds to the growing chorus of concern from well-meaning Ghanaians, urging for peace and action in these critical times.
