Stop galamsey activities now!

We have said it before, and we repeat that unless we act swiftly to control the threat posed by galamsey operators and land guards, they will metamorphose into a private army to cause mayhem in society.

Some apostles of nationalism are quick to label us prophets of doom for daring to point out the obvious, but we assure our compatriots that the Daily Graphic has always stood on the side of the truth, no matter whose ox is gored.

There are places in Accra, Kasoa, Ashiaman and some regional capitals that are no-go areas for developers, unless they rely on the services of land guards. Even our mainstream security agencies are afraid of the land guards, as the well-connected engage their services to either protect their land or scare other developers away from their properties.

Stories abound of land guards and galamsey operators wielding guns, and not too long ago some Chinese galamsey operators were arrested for using illegal arms.

It is unfortunate that as a country we have not been able to contain the activities of these deviants, even with our level of sophistication in crime combat.

This makes many people wonder whether land guards and galamsey operators have received support from some very powerful elements in society, hence the inability of the security agencies to break their back.

One-time major rivers in the country have become pale shadows of themselves because of the activities of galamsey operators.

The River Birim, for instance, has been so polluted that the Ghana Water Company Limited can no longer treat it for consumers. The water treatment plant at Kyebi in the Eastern Region cannot work because the galamsey operators have polluted the water beyond treatment as potable water.

All other major rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra and the Tano have been polluted by a few selfish people who want to survive at the expense of others.

Land guards and galamsey operators are at the heart of the movement that does not believe in sustainable development. These groups of people want to exploit the resources of the land for today’s survival, forgetting about generations yet unborn.

We must not fold our arms and allow galamsey operators and land guards to take a firm hold of the direction of economic activities in the country.

The Daily Graphic extends its deepest condolences to the families of the two naval officers who lost their lives in the River Pra last Saturday. 

Leading Seaman Obed Mensah and Able Seaman Moses Yao Nkyi, both of the Western Naval Command, died trying to safeguard the wholesomeness of our water bodies.

The sacrifices of these two naval officers will be in vain if we allow galamsey operators to have a field day.

We acknowledge the efforts of the security agencies to flush out the galamsey operators, but it appears these deviants have overwhelmed our efforts to restore law and order in the management of our national resources.

 The Daily Graphic appeals to the security agencies and other well-meaning Ghanaians to lend a hand to efforts at exposing all the deviants who are bent on destroying our beautiful country.

 We encourage the security agencies to take the fight to galamsey operators and land guards until they decide to conform to the laws of our land.