We need our leaders to fulfill promises to fight this galamsey issue everywhere, hurting young people and destroying futures - Yvonne Chaka Chaka

South African music icon Yvonne Chaka Chaka has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take concrete action against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The legendary singer, popularly known as the “Princess of Africa,” made the appeal while speaking in a radio interview on Accra based Citi FM on Friday [Oct 4, 2024].

She is in Ghana for the African Legends Night and was at the radio station for an interview during which she commented on the galamsey issues [illegal mining] currently a national public debate on the airwaves in Ghana.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka lamented the extensive damage caused by illegal mining activities, noting that it poses a serious threat to forests, water bodies, and the well-being of people. 

She pointed out that the menace of illegal mining is a shared burden across Africa, including her home country of South Africa, and called on President Akufo-Addo to fulfill his promises to tackle the issue head-on.

“This galamsey issue is a burden everywhere, even in South Africa,” she said. “It is hurting the young people and destroying their futures. We need real action to stop it, and we need our leaders to fulfill the promises they have made.”

She stressed that the youth of Ghana are eager for solutions, and it is time for President Akufo-Addo to deliver on his commitments. 

The South African singer further revealed that she plans to formally address President Akufo-Addo at an upcoming Global Citizen meeting in Ivory Coast, where the Ghanaian leader is expected to be in attendance. 

During the meeting, Chaka Chaka intends to emphasise the need for decisive leadership to address the challenges posed by illegal mining, urging him to listen to the voices of the people and take action for the good of the country.

“We will have a Global Citizen meeting in Ivory Coast next week, and President Akufo-Addo will be there,” she said. 

“I will convey this message to him directly because we cannot afford to see young people suffering any longer. When we say people shall govern, it means listening to the people and doing what is right.”