The Proprietress of Blessed King of Glory Early Childhood Development Centre in Koforidua, Mrs. Georgina Obeng, has called for a united national response to combat illegal mining (galamsey), warning that the environmental destruction caused by the practice is robbing Ghanaian children of a healthy and secure future.
Delivering a keynote address at an advocacy programme against illegal mining and environmental degradation, Mrs. Obeng described galamsey as one of the greatest environmental and public health threats confronting Ghana, urging all stakeholders to act decisively to safeguard the country’s natural resources.
She said the event was not merely a discussion on a national issue but a call to confront a crisis that threatens future generations.
“A nation that destroys its forests destroys its future. A people who pollute their rivers poison not only themselves but also generations yet unborn,” she stated.
Mrs. Obeng noted that rivers that once provided clean water are now contaminated with mercury and other hazardous chemicals, while fertile farmlands have been destroyed by abandoned mining pits, posing a serious threat to food security. She also lamented the rapid depletion of Ghana’s forests, describing them as the “lungs of the nation.”
According to her, children are the greatest victims of environmental degradation, as they depend on clean water, fresh air and nutritious food for healthy growth and development.
She cited scientific evidence showing that exposure to toxic chemicals used in illegal mining can negatively affect children’s brain development, learning ability, physical growth and overall health. She added that pregnant women and nursing mothers are equally at risk, with the harmful effects extending to unborn babies.
“As a school that nurtures the next generation, we believe that every child deserves the right to grow up in a healthy, safe and beautiful environment,” she stressed.
She said protecting the environment is not only a civic responsibility but also a moral and spiritual obligation.
Mrs. Obeng appealed to government agencies to enforce environmental laws without fear or favour, urging them to ensure that justice prevails over greed.
She also called on traditional authorities to safeguard lands under their stewardship, while encouraging parents to instill environmental values in their children from an early age.
The educationist further challenged teachers to integrate environmental education into daily classroom activities to nurture environmentally responsible citizens.
Addressing the pupils, she urged them to appreciate nature by planting trees, keeping rivers clean and properly disposing of waste.
“Every tree you help plant, every river you help keep clean and every piece of litter you pick up is an act of love for Ghana,” she told the children.
Mrs. Obeng emphasised that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility and cannot be left to government alone.
She called on Ghanaians to reject all forms of environmental destruction and embrace sustainable development that creates jobs while preserving the country’s natural heritage.
“We must restore our forests, reclaim our rivers, protect our lands and, above all, safeguard the future of every Ghanaian child,” she said.
Quoting Proverbs 22:6 in her concluding remarks, Mrs. Obeng urged society to raise not only intelligent children but environmentally conscious citizens who will become faithful custodians of God’s creation.
She expressed optimism that through collective action, Ghana can restore its polluted rivers, revive its forests and secure a cleaner, healthier environment for generations to come.
Source: Mybrytfmonline
