Former University of Ghana Student Representative Council (SRC) presidential candidate, Nii Afotey Odai, has urged students nationwide to join the fight against illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.”
This call comes amidst the widespread destruction of water bodies and ongoing protests, with the government reportedly failing to take effective steps to address the issue.
In a compelling letter, Odai encouraged student leaders to support the strike action by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), aimed at pressuring the government into taking decisive action against illegal mining.
He also proposed a nationwide student demonstration, calling on students from all tertiary institutions in Ghana to unite and demand government intervention to protect the nation’s water bodies and secure the livelihoods of affected communities.
According to Odai, such a demonstration would send a strong message that the youth will no longer tolerate the destruction of Ghana’s environment and the unchecked expansion of illegal mining activities.
“By advocating for stronger government action and participating in peaceful demonstrations, we can send a powerful message to the government that we will not tolerate the continued destruction of our environment and the suffering of our people.”
Odai also emphasized the importance of collaboration with organizations such as Democracy Hub and UTAG to amplify the call for change. He expressed hope that these collective efforts would help create a future where Ghana’s natural resources and communities are preserved for generations to come.
“Together, these groups hope to create a future where Ghana’s natural resources and communities are protected for generations to come.In light of the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment and livelihoods and the devastating consequences of this practice on our environment and livelihoods demand our immediate attention. As the intellectual youth wing of our nation, we have a duty to respond to the call to action against illegal mining.”
Find the letter below
Story by: Akpalu Edmond Deladem | univers.ug.edu.gh
