FOGET Environmental Campaign (2017)

“Ghana has one of the stronger economies of sub-Sahara Africa due to its array of natural resources. However, the exploitation of these resources, coupled with the overall lack of environmental awareness, has devastated the country’s forests. In less than 50 years, Ghana’s primary rainforest has been reduced by 90 percent, while in the past 15 years (1990-2005), the country lost 1.9 million hectares or 26 percent of its forest cover.”

The Menance of Galamsey

Galamsey is a form of mining done by unregistered, unrecognized and illegal miners in such a way that it ends up destroying farmlands, water bodies, vegetation etc.

Effects of Galamsey

• Deforestation leading to desertification
• Destruction of aquatic lives
• Destruction of farmlands
• Destruction of vegetation cover
• Destruction of water bodies and wetlands
• Scarcity of food – Farming
• Galamsey threatens Cocoa and food crops production

Do you know that Ghana could soon be importing water from neigbouring countries if issues surrounding galamsey are not dealt with? Yes, that according to the Environment Protection Agency of Ghana. In fact the UN indicated that by 2030 water would become the most expensive commodity in the world.

• In 2016 Kyebi water treatment plant was shut down over galamsey
• In February 2017, Abessim water treatment plant was closed due to farming and ‘galamsey’
• The Tano River has dried up first time in over 40 years as a result of galamsey activities forcing the Ghana Water Company Limited to shut down the Abessim Water Treatment Plant. The plant used to produce 1.5million gallons of water a day.

Statement of Fact

• When the last tree dies, the last human dies
• Plants and mankind are interdepended in that man feeds on plants for survival
• Plants also breath out oxygen as their by-product which man breaths in for survival
• There wouldn’t be “the next generation” without the forest and sound environment

Where are the Generational Thinkers?

The impact of galamsey is inter-generational and it affects everybody – Prof Chris Gordon

The chemicals used in galamsey get into our water and into the food chain – Prof Chris Gordon

#StopGalamseyNow