Following reports of the destruction caused by activities of illegal miners also known as ‘galamsey’, former GHAMRO Chairman, Kojo Antwi has joined the fight in a bid to ensure that the menace is curbed.
The Music Maestro speaking on ‘Anopa Kasapa’ with host Fiifi Banson on Kasapa 102.5FM said due to the activities of ‘galamsey’ miners in certain parts of the country, many farms, aquatic habitats have been destroyed and water bodies made unsafe for human use.
According to the ‘Mr. Music Man’, the havoc caused is worrying hence as a music icon it is imperative to liaise with colleague musicians to help champion the course in eradicating the illegal activities by some unregistered miners through music.
“The issue of galamsey and how it was handled, for some of us, we started speaking against it long ago but these days we have now noticed that other organisations have also joined in the campaign. In my own little way as a singer, I have put together lyrics and will help fight against the illegal practices in the country with a song which will feature other top musicians.”
He added that as Ghanaians, it is in the best interest to protect the natural resources and vegetation and not be in a hurry to give them out to foreigners.
“We must not be in the position to give out our natural resources to foreigners but I’m not saying this against any group of people but you could see that because they (Foreigners) are living here in the country, there is a rush for these gold. If we have no use for it or we can’t use it in the form that we can’t have value for it then I think we should let it be where it is for the next generation to come to tap it and make good use of it than to destroy our lands,” Kojo Antwi told Fiifi Banson.
Kojo Antwi further disclosed that the new song to be released soon will feature known young musicians such as Stonebwoy, other legendary artistes and any other artiste who wants be on board for this project.
“I’ll facilitate to get the studio to record the song since it’s my own initiative and I’ve not sought for support from anyone but I believe that once we get the recordings ready we may seek the assistance of the media. I don’t want it to look like a publicity stunt that we (Musicians) want to publicise ourselves so I’m treading carefully,” Mr. Antwi noted.
Recently, pressure group, ‘OccupyGhana’ also declared the month of April as #RedApril to create awareness about the galamsey menace and to also empower Ghanaians to “speak out against galamsey.”
OccupyGhana in a statement said it deployed a team to ascertain the extent of the effects of galamsey, adding that the team’s findings portrayed a dire picture which if unchecked, could destroy the country’s future.
Subsequently, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Peter Amewu also gave illegal miners within the country an ultimatum to halt their activities.
Julius Kojo Antwi, simply known as KOJO ANTWI is a world music icon of Ghanaian heritage whose great sounds are etched on the psyche of numerous fans worldwide. His music –Afro Pop, as he has called it for over 20 years, is exciting, enduring and entertaining.
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