MUST 'GALAMSEY' BE LEGALISED?

J. ATTA PRAH, AUTO ENGINEER
I have visited places like Tarkwa, Prestea/Bogoso, Wassa Akropong and other parts of the Western Region, where this deadly trade is practised, on many occasions.
I have observed the risk involved and wonder if it is worth the lives of those who have taken it upon themselves to engage in galamsey operations.
I also know for a fact that though the activity is risky, it is nonetheless very lucrative. Practitioners make a lot of money. At Nanankor, near Wassa Akropong, for instance, there is a market where they trade in all manner of items. The galamsey operators even own generating plants that provide them with electricity.
But come to think of it, why should people risk their lives in such a manner when they know that they are engaged in a near-death activity. Must the Government look on unconcerned while precious lives are lost? In my view, most governments have rather paid lip-service to the call for legalising the activity of galamsey operations. I think the time is ripe for galamsey to be accepted and accorded its rightful place.
I say this because no matter what, people will continue to engage in galamsey, considering the general economic hardships people face.