The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, has challenged all presidential candidates from various political parties to publicly pledge their commitment to fighting illegal small-scale mining.

During a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Dwumfour outlined several demands that the GJA believes are crucial to ending the canker also known as 'galamsey'.

These include a call for the president to declare a state of emergency over water bodies and equip the military to remove anyone found mining in these areas.

Additionally, mining activities within 100 meters of rivers and buffer zones should be halted immediately, and Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 should be repealed.

Mr Dwumfour stressed that all political parties must show their commitment by publicly announcing their agreement with these demands.

He explained that the nation is on the brink of collapse, and these actions are essential to ensure that the next president is dedicated to protecting the land and water bodies from further degradation.

• Read also: Ban galamsey totally for now – Christian Council to government

“All the presidential candidates of the political parties vying for elections should publicly declare their total support for this crisis response. Failure to do so, it means you don’t have the nation at heart and you can not lead. This is a challenge to them and we will ensure that they do so,” he said on September 11.

He added that in a fortnight, these demands would be reviewed to assess the progress made, and any necessary actions would be taken accordingly.

The Christian Council of Ghana also joined the growing calls for a complete and decisive ban on galamsey.

The Council’s call comes in response to the devastating environmental and social impacts caused by the illegal practice, which have become a pressing concern for many stakeholders nationwide.

• Read also: Illegal mining ravages Ayamfuri-Wassa Akropong road, threatening environment and health

At the forefront of this appeal is the General Secretary of the Christian Council, Reverend Cyril Fayose, who emphasised the existential threat posed by galamsey to Ghana’s natural resources. 

He particularly pointed to the severe damage inflicted on water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems, warning that the nation’s future is at stake if immediate action is not taken.