Prophet Badu Kobi, General Overseer of Glorious Waves Church says ‘galamsey’ in itself is not wrong but a source of employment, however, what makes it bad is the destruction to water bodies.
The man of God, commenting on what could be done in the fight against illegal mining, admonished government to regulate activities of small scale miners.
The Ashanti regional chapter of small scale mining association have voiced out against the NPP government pragmatic measures put in place to stop illegal mining in the country.
The spokesperson for the group Mr Frank Osei said, the group will also petition the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II over government’s fight to halt illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, across the country.
Others in the Eastern Region have threatened to vote against the Nana Addo led administration in 2020 should he stop galamsey but Nana Addo, has called the bluff noting that, his desire is to see to the development and implementation his promises and not was not bothered about election defeat.
Prophet Kobi speaking to Uncle Nat on Rainbow Radio 87.5 said, ‘’galamsey in itself is not wrong- and a form of employment but what makes it wrong is the destruction to our water bodies. That is very wrong and so any kind of employment that will threaten the country should be prevented or regulated by law. You don’t have to stop this form of job rather, you have to put in laws to prevent them from mining in our water bodies.’’
He further suggested to government to roll out alternative livelihood programs so the miners maybe put on it.
‘’You have to engage the miners and explain to them the rationale behind your decision, let them understand the dangers of what they are doing and provide them with an alternative livelihood. You cannot ask them to stop when you have not provided them with an alternative,’’ he said.
He was of the view that crime could rise if the affected miners are not given any form of support.
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