Popular Ghanaian comic actor Ebenezer Akwasi Antwi, also known as Dr. Likee or Akabenezer, has joined the growing calls to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Dr. Likee announced that he and his team will release a movie addressing the subject in November 2024.
In an interview with Bonah TV, Dr. Likee highlighted the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies and public health.
“Let us stop galamsey. The diseases people are contracting due to the toxins in our rivers are huge. They are contracting cancers and other illnesses. We all consume from it; it affects everyone, both old and young,” he stated.
He emphasised that galamsey transcends politics, stating that his new movie will raise awareness about the menace.
“I’ve created a lot of content about galamsey, and next month, we will release a full movie on the topic. It’s not a political film,” he added.
Citing his travels abroad, Dr. Likee expressed astonishment at the condition of water bodies in other countries compared to Ghana’s polluted rivers, which he described as looking like “tea.”
“When I went abroad, I saw the water bodies there and was amazed. Ours should look like that. It saddened me to see how our rivers look,” he said.
He urged Ghanaians to cherish and protect the country’s natural resources, warning that neglecting this issue could lead to dire consequences.
“God has blessed Africa with all these natural resources. If we don’t take care of what we have, we will be left wanting,” he cautioned.
His comments come amid increasing demands from various labour groups, environmentalists, health practitioners, clergy, and concerned citizens for stricter government measures to address the galamsey crisis, which has led to escalating environmental damage.
