Galamsey: IPR Ghana calls for heightened Behaviour Change Communication

The Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, has condemned the activities of illegal small-scale mining, ‘galamsey’ in Ghana and their destructive effects on our environment.

IPR Ghana said the escalation in these activities poses a grave threat, which demands urgent and decisive action.

“As a professional body of public relations practitioners, we believe that a comprehensive and well-structured, nationwide Behaviour Change Communication Strategy is an essential complement to enforcement actions, including criminal sanctions, in combating the menace to human life and health, and the looming environmental catastrophe associated with it. The strategy would emphasize individual responsibilities in the fight against galamsey in Ghana,” the Institute said in a press release dated September 20.

“Such a strategy would be rooted in community-based mobilization to reject these illegal activities and adopt legal productive ones for livelihood enhancement and environmental conservation. It is critical for all Ghanaians, particularly those living in the vicinities of the galamsey activities to have a deeper understanding of the dangers posed by the menace.

“We applaud the efforts of environmental organizations, journalists and individuals who have been on a mission to bring to public attention the dire situation that the nation is facing as a result of galamsey. We also commend the vigilance of those in various communities, particularly the youth, who have raised alarm about these criminal activities that have been going on in their neighbourhoods,” the a press release stated.

“Recent statements by Chiefs, Religious Bodies, Professional Groups, Civil Society Organizations and others demanding decisive action, especially from the highest levels of Government, including calls for the declaration of a State of Emergency, show heightened awareness of the seriousness of the situation,” the Institute noted.