The President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Frank Serebour, has issued a warning to the government and political leaders over the continuing menace of illegal mining, known as galamsey.
Speaking to Citi FM, Dr. Serebour made it clear that the GMA will continue to push for decisive action, stressing that if political leaders fail to adequately address the issue, they should expect to lose their positions come election time.”We want the government to act now,” Dr. Serebour said.
“If you don’t fight galamsey, we’ll boot you out. Politicians need to understand that the only real consequence they fear is losing their jobs at the polls.”The GMA has been at the forefront of advocating against galamsey, which continues to ravage local communities, threatening public health, water resources, and the environment.
Dr. Serebour highlighted that the ongoing spread of galamsey operations has led to severe public health issues, including an increase in waterborne diseases and other preventable health conditions linked to polluted environments.Dr. Serebour made it clear that political pressure, not strikes, is the most effective way to bring about lasting change.
The GMA President emphasized that while strikes may offer short-term relief or bring attention to the issue, they are not a sustainable solution. Instead, he is calling on citizens to use their power at the ballot box to hold politicians accountable.
The GMA’s advocacy efforts include pushing political parties to declare their positions on galamsey through a public pact, ensuring that they commit to long-term solutions. “We need clarity on where they stand,” Dr. Serebour noted, adding that vague promises or inaction from leaders will not be tolerated.
