Media personality cum pundit Ola Michael has criticized those who defend illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana.

Speaking on Neat FM on October 7, 2024, Ola Michael emphasised that the issue of galamsey, which has destroyed farmlands and water bodies across the country, should be viewed from an individual perspective rather than a political one.

“Unless your brain is like that of an ant’s teeth, you cannot defend this,” he stated.

He highlighted that evidence of galamsey’s impact is easily found online, with major rivers visibly affected by pollution.

Ola Michael also responded to critics of the recent #StopGalamseyNow protest held in Accra.

He argued that galamsey is a concern for the capital city, Accra, as well, because environmental degradation affects everyone, regardless of their location.

"When people say things like, ‘There is no galamsey in Accra, the protesters should go to the affected areas and protest,’ I wonder, did these people go to school? Are they educated?" he questioned.

His comments come amid increasing calls from various labour groups, environmentalists, health practitioners, clergy, and concerned citizens for stricter government measures to address the galamsey menace, which has led to an escalating environmental crisis.

From October 3 to 5, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens against Galamsey held a protest to draw attention to the environmental damage caused by galamsey activities and to secure the release of about 53 Democracy Hub protesters detained after an earlier protest on September 22.

See the video below:



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