News Desk Report
In an open letter signed by FIDA Ghana’s president, Gloria Ofori Boadu, to the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana commended his engagement with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to tackle the ongoing galamsey crisis.
FIDA Ghana characterized the situation as a national emergency, highlighting its devastating effects on health, the environment, and livelihoods, particularly for women.
In the letter, FIDA Ghana outlined the impacts of galamsey on communities and the nation as a whole.
“Health risks from mercury and cyanide contamination threaten human well-being and the nation’s food security,” the letter stated.
It further noted, “Women who collect water, farm, process, and trade food and fish are directly endangered by the toxic chemicals used in small-scale mining.
The environmental damage caused by galamsey has destructive long-term effects on communities and their livelihoods.”
To ensure the safety and well-being of ordinary Ghanaians, FIDA Ghana demands the following actions:
1. Declare a State of Emergency: Uphold the constitutional right to water by declaring a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas.
2. Repeal Legislative Instrument 2462: Permanently prohibit mining activities in forest reserves.
3. Public Health Guidance: Provide clear, nationwide guidance on protecting citizens from exposure to heavy metals in food and water.
4. Food Safety Action: Identify, warn against, ban, recall, and destroy contaminated local produce and bottled or sachet water.
5. Mapping of Farming Areas: Conduct comprehensive mapping of farming areas to highlight regions with elevated heavy metal levels and provide public information on safe food sources.
FIDA Ghana’s president, Gloria Ofori Boadu, emphasized the urgent need for action to protect the health, environment, and food security of Ghana.
The organization calls on the President to take decisive steps to address the galamsey crisis and safeguard the nation’s future.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
