Government has failed to protect the environment – Ken Ashigbey

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining,  Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has accused government of failure to safeguard the environment, particularly concerning the alarming degradation of water bodies.

In an address read on his behalf at the Environmental Policy Dialogues – an initiative of the Ghana chapter of the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability Africa (CYNESA-Ghana) and the Arrupe Jesuit Institute held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Accra, on March 21, Dr. Ashigbey emphasized that despite numerous statements from entities like the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, little progress has been made in addressing environmental issues faced by the country.

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Speaking on the topic “A green Ghana as a patriotic and Christian agenda and responsibility; Perspectives and policy proposals,” the environmental champion highlighted the dire consequences of illegal mining, locally known as ‘Galamsey,’ on Ghana’s environment.

“The government has failed in many respects to protect the environment and water bodies in particular,” Dr. Ashigbey asserted, drawing attention to the urgent need for action.

While acknowledging the efforts of some Christian denominations in promoting environmental stewardship, he called upon the Catholic Church to lead the charge in advocating for sustainable practices.

Dr. Ashigbey proposed the organization of seminars and workshops to educate religious leaders and the laity on the teachings of “Laudato si,” Pope Francis’s landmark encyclical on the environment.

He stressed the importance of aligning national policies with environmental protection, urging citizens to actively advocate for government intervention, particularly in curbing the destructive practice of Galamsey.

“The ecological suicidal tendencies of Galamsey must be stopped,” Dr. Ashigbey declared, underscoring the collective responsibility of citizens in preserving Ghana’s natural heritage.

The Environmental Policy Dialogues is part of the Green Lent Project aimed at addressing pressing environmental issues and foster sustainable solutions.