A former President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Charles Marfo, has called for a ruthless approach to address illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
He argues that a “shoot-to-kill” strategy is the only way to end these destructive activities, which have ravaged Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves, threatening food security and human existence.
He stated that his position does not represent that of UTAG but rather a personal opinion that he had repeatedly proposed.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Professor Marfo described illegal miners as “hardened criminals and nation wreckers.”
He stated, “Persons who have decided to destroy our water bodies and reserves are murderers and deserve to die. If ‘shoot-to-kill’ will do that for us, we have to do that.” The professor contends that past approaches have yielded no results, and it’s time for a more decisive strategy.
Professor Marfo also accused the government of showing little concern for the fight against galamsey.
He claims that while in opposition, the current administration capitalised on anti-galamsey campaigns by UTAG and other organizations, promising to end the menace.
However, he says they have since failed to act decisively.
“This government, while in opposition, made political capital out of the issue. They took advantage of the various protests and campaigns against galamsey. They promised to end it, so if they have assumed office and refused to act, then we have every right as Ghanaians to criticise them,” he declared.
Professor Marfo asserted that the government must take “drastic measures,” including the declaration of a state of emergency.
When questioned about the potential negative outcomes of such a declaration, he stated that the positives would far outweigh the negatives.
“We have to demonstrate commitment to ending galamsey. We are importing almost everything, and soon we will import water just like other commodities. Why should we wait for this to happen before we act? We have to act now and preserve what we have left from galamsey. The declaration of the state of emergency is non-negotiable.”
SOURCE: Rainbowradioonline
