Don’t exchange your life for wealth; a sparkle of fire can be your end — Gender Board Chair cautions 'galamseyers'

A gas pipeline facility

Nana Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI, the Board Chairman of Genser Energy, has warned illegal miners, commonly known as galamseyers, urging them to prioritise their safety over the pursuit of wealth.

His caution comes amidst reports revealing that illegal miners have been digging beneath gas pipelines, posing high risks not only to their lives but also to the integrity of the infrastructure.

In an interview with Citi News, Nana Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI expressed worry over the dangerous activities of illegal miners, emphasising the potential for disaster due to the presence of flammable gas in the vicinity of their operations.

"Those on the right of way have begun prospecting for minerals along our gas pipelines; simply put, galamseyers have begun digging under our pipeline to see if they can strike its reach overnight.

“It is a very dangerous enterprise because when you are digging, you are using some force and a little sparkle of fire may touch the gas and you will lose your life with the explosion that will happen,” Nana Otwasuom Osae Nyampong VI stated.

He further called upon fellow chiefs who oversee lands affected by galamsey to take proactive measures to address the issue.

"We appeal to the Chiefs who own these lands to educate their citizens about the dangers of illegal mining activities near gas pipelines. You shouldn't exchange your life for wealth which you may not even get," he expressed.