Ghana Head Coach, Otto Addo, has described the destruction caused by galamsey to Ghana’s water bodies as a serious problem.

However, he added that his team is now focusing on winning against Sudan in their back-to-back 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Over the past weeks, concerned citizens have been protesting in Accra, calling on the government to stop mining in forest areas and water bodies.

One such protest, led by a group of concerned citizens, is currently in its second day.

During his announcement of the Black Stars squad for the two games, Otto Addo was asked about the galamsey menace, and he said, “I think it's a serious problem—a very serious problem. But we have to do our job and focus on that.

“You know, there are a lot of things that have also distracted me; maybe I've questioned myself as well, asking what I could have done better.

“If, let's say, I have an accident, there's nothing I can do about it.

“But, you know, there are other distractions within the team, and for us, to be honest, it's about focusing on Sudan and nothing else. After we win, then we can talk about every other topic.”

Ghana will host Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, October 10, 2024, in round three of the qualifiers for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco.

Four days later, the Black Stars will fly to Libya to face the Black Stars in the fourth round of qualifiers.