PRINPAG declares war on Galamsey …calls for national unity to combat environmental destruction
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has strongly condemned the rampant and irresponsible destruction of the nation’s water bodies, forests, and environment in the name of illegal mining (galamsey) for monetary gains.
According to PRINPAG, this wanton environmental devastation, driven by greed, poses a grave threat to the well-being of the Ghanaian people and the future of the country.
In a press statement, PRINPAG’s leadership stressed the severity of the issue, urging all its members to join the national crusade against galamsey activities. Failure to act swiftly could result in disaster for the nation.
“We urge our members to take a firm and impartial stance against this practice as part of our collective effort to combat this menace, which has become a significant threat to the survival of our communities and the preservation of our natural resources and environment.”
As part of PRINPAG’s commitment, members are encouraged to expose individuals and groups involved in these illegal activities. The Association urges its members to publish the names and pictures of those engaged in galamsey on the front pages of their newspapers and websites, bringing these social miscreants and deviants to public accountability.
Further, the statement emphasized the importance of resisting any form of influence, monetary or otherwise, that could compromise the fight against galamsey. Accepting such inducements would undermine not only PRINPAG’s efforts but also the collective endeavor to protect the environment.
PRINPAG also calls on Parliament to exhibit leadership in this fight, following the example set by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The group urges Parliament to act without partisanship, focusing solely on the long-term welfare of the nation. PRINPAG’s leadership believes that with unity and focus, Ghana can prevail in this fight against galamsey.
“We also call on state institutions to act responsibly in addressing environmental destruction. We urge strict enforcement of laws governing environmental sustainability, economic development, and growth. Additionally, technology should be leveraged to tackle the environmental challenges arising from certain investment activities.”
To demonstrate its commitment, PRINPAG members will, in the coming days and weeks, actively engage in a “naming and shaming” campaign to expose all those involved in illegal mining, regardless of their social standing or influence. This step is essential to ensuring accountability and reinforcing that no one is above the law.
While PRINPAG fully supports national efforts to tackle this menace, the leadership also issues a stern warning: any member found directly involved in galamsey will be expelled from the Association in accordance with its Constitution.
The statement further stressed that any member found to have been financially or materially influenced in an attempt to sabotage the Association’s fight against galamsey will face expulsion after undergoing the Association’s disciplinary procedures.
These decisive actions underscore PRINPAG’s commitment to contributing to the fight against the galamsey menace. The leadership of the Association views the ongoing destruction of the environment as a national emergency, and it is vital that all stakeholders play their part in safeguarding Ghana for future generations.
PRINPAG pledges its full support to the activities of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining and encourages its members across the country to back the Coalition’s efforts to mitigate the effects of galamsey.
This is a collective fight, and PRINPAG reaffirms the readiness of its members to lend their support to the national effort to curb this menace.
By Eugene Davis
