President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Most Reverend Matthew Kwesi Gyamfi, has warned that illicit drugs and illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, pose serious threats to Ghana’s population and future generations.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Most Rev. Gyamfi said the harmful effects of illicit drugs such as cocaine and marijuana, coupled with the dangerous chemicals used in illegal mining, require urgent attention.
He said the presence of dangerous drugs in communities poses a significant threat to the population, particularly the youth.
“We are talking here of dangerous illicit drugs, like cocaine. And first of all, its effect on the human person, human body, is known to be negative, absolutely negative, very dangerous,” he said.
Most Rev. Gyamfi said the problem extends beyond cocaine, noting that other illicit drugs are also affecting young people in communities across the country.
He said young people in villages and on the outskirts of towns are increasingly being exposed to and becoming addicted to substances such as marijuana and other illicit drugs.
According to him, authorities must therefore look beyond international drug trafficking and address the availability and use of illicit drugs within Ghanaian communities.
He further drew a parallel between drug trafficking and galamsey, describing both activities as serious threats to the population.
“Galamsey and drug trafficking are twin,” he said.
Most Rev. Gyamfi explained that illegal mining involves the use of chemicals that eventually enter water bodies and the environment, potentially exposing communities to harmful substances.
“Galamsey is a form of drug, administering some dangerous drugs and chemicals into water bodies, and others peddling drugs on our streets,” he said.
He expressed concern about the possible long-term consequences of exposure to harmful substances, particularly for future generations.
According to him, the effects of such activities could extend beyond those directly involved and affect unborn children as well.
“You know what’s the type of drugs that they are introducing? And it’s killing people. Killing people. It’s forming unborn babies and unborn babies,” he said.
Most Rev. Gyamfi said the government has a responsibility to protect citizens from both external and internal threats and should therefore take the dangers posed by illicit drugs and illegal mining seriously.
He called for stronger measures to tackle drug trafficking, drug abuse and galamsey, arguing that allowing such activities to persist could cause further harm to communities and undermine the wellbeing of future generations.
He Stressed that the fight against the two activities should be treated as a matter of national importance because of their potential impact on Ghana’s people, environment and future.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
