Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the legendary South African singer known as the “Princess of Africa,” has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take decisive action in the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
The renowned Umqombothi singer stressed the need for President Akufo-Addo to back his promises with tangible efforts to curb the practice, which has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s environment and communities.
Chaka Chaka, who is in Ghana for the African Legends Night, expressed concern over the destructive impact of illegal mining, particularly on the youth. She noted that galamsey is a problem not only in Ghana but also in South Africa, and emphasized the importance of reclaiming Ghana’s degraded forests and lands.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Friday, October 4, Chaka Chaka mentioned an upcoming Global Citizen meeting in Ivory Coast, where she plans to raise the issue directly with President Akufo-Addo.
“We will have a Global Citizen meeting in Ivory Coast next week, and President Akufo-Addo will be there. I will convey the message to him because we cannot afford to see young people suffering,” she said.
Chaka Chaka urged the President to implement concrete solutions, noting that the youth believe the answers to the problem already exist. “All we need now is to see him [President Akufo-Addo] walking the talk. We need him to practice what he is preaching so that these minerals can benefit everybody and ensure that everyone has access to clean water.”
She concluded by reminding the President that the people he governs are offering solutions. “We need you to listen to the people of Ghana and do what is right,” she added.
