For Immediate Release
Accra,
9th September 2024
UNOWAS Ghana Chapter Calls for Urgent Roadmap in Tackling Galamsey Menace
The Ghana Chapter of the UNOWAS Working Group on Women, Youth in Peace and Security (WG-WYPS) is gravely concerned about the imminent water security crises facing Ghanaians as a result of the devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as ‘GALAMSEY,’.
We recognize that water is a basic necessity of life, and its availability or lack thereof, affect all persons, particularly, women and children disproportionately.
We are alarmed by the numerous reports, over the past weeks, some with graphic and disturbing images, on GALAMSEY and the devastation it is causing the environment and citizens. For instance, an “Ecological Study of GALAMSEY Activities in Ghana and their Physiological Toxicity”, published by the Journal of Environmental Toxicology Research in 2024, highlights among others, the high levels of contamination that GALAMSEY is causing to water bodies in “districts like Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Bodi and Juabeso”. The report also notes how water pollution resulting from these illegal mining activities, has led to severe contamination of major rivers such as Pra, Ankobra and Birim; the negative effects of which are felt by local communities (more particularly women and children) and the country’s ecosystem. The report, further decries the reckless use of hazardous substances like mercury and cyanide in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
The Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7) Main Report, also states that approximately 71% of rural households have issues with their drinking water such as odor, colour and suspended materials.
Ghana is increasingly facing severe water and climate security challenges threatening not only livelihoods and health but also the peace and stability of our communities. In addition to the climate-induced threats to water supply, illegal mining activities, with their related degradation of marginalised community’ resources, exacerbate the plight of community members, especially women and children.
The Working Group cannot over-emphasize how the nation’s lands and water bodies, are being destroyed. Huge lands are being degraded causing deaths and injuries to many young people and women who are involved further threatening health, food and water security.
GALAMSEY threatens the United Nations Security Council Resolutions that governs Ghana’s commitment to peace, security and community resilience. These Resolutions, which Ghana has domesticated through the development of National Action Plans, must seek to Protect and Prevent the peace and security of the populace.
A Call to Action:
Given the importance of water security to the security of women and children, We, the Working Group on Women, Youth in Peace and Security (WG-WYPS), demand from the President of the Republic of Ghana, through relevant Ministries and government agencies, an urgent release of a road map on tackling the water security challenges posed by galamsey operations in the country. We call on decision-makers, especially Parliament, to take urgent and coordinated action to address these critical issues:
Strengthen governance and enforcement by implementing and enforcing laws and frameworks, local and international, to protect water resources and combat illegal mining.
Strengthen local governance structures to ensure that women and youth are included in decision-making processes related to resource management and conflict resolution.
Promote Sustainable Livelihoods: Invest in sustainable agricultural practices, clean energy, and other economic opportunities that empower women and youth while protecting the environment.
Enhance Health and Education Services by improving access to health services, particularly in areas affected by water pollution and ensuring that educational programs emphasise the importance of environmental stewardship and resilience.
Address the root causes of conflict over resources by promoting community dialogue and collaboration and Support peacebuilding initiatives that prioritize the needs and voices of women and youth:
We also call on citizens, especially women and young people, to call out nonchalant behaviours, politicians, and businesses that fuel the galamsey menace to protect our future as citizens. The group will monitor the situation and take further actions when necessary.
Thank you
Signed
Theodora Williams Anti
WG – WYPS Ghana Chapter Convenor
GHANA
(0599291127 / 0243203060)
*Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel is a coordination mechanism for the implementation of Resolutions 1325 (2000) and 2250 (2015), and an inclusive, multi-actor platform where women and youth become actors in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The Working Group is coordinated by UNOWAS and UN WOMEN. (https://unowas.unmissions.org/ghana-women-and-young-people-plead-inclusive-resolution-current-crises-west-africa-and-sahel)*