Stop 'galamsey' Poem by Derrick Kofi Agbesi

It's been a plague of old,
But we can't bear its toll this time.
'Leave us; let's dig this ground for gold.', they'd say
'Let's excavate this river and see if there's some diamond.'
Then the greed's insidious voice drives them, young and old alike,
To the mines, full bodies soaked in mud to chance on a tiny glitter!

Forests ravaged, waters muddied like groundnut soup,
Leaving pits of death in their wake.
Yet we cast no blame on them
As jobs are locked and as scarce as hen's teeth,
But what if they plunge into those deep pits,
Only to find emptiness and worse, never return?

Let's ponder the gains from our precious waterbodies;
Do we not all rely on them for our sachet and bottled water?
How can we watch as they're ravaged with disdain,
Yet remain silent, indifferent to the stain?
Shall we torture our lands, waters, and trees,
For fleeting gains and allow galamsey bring us to our knees?

Oh Ghana, arise! Everyone, take a stand!
Locals, speak out and don't sweep it under the sand.
Community leaders, the government, enforce the law,
And punish offenders and let them feel the claw!
But as you act, create jobs and employ the youth,
Lest they return stronger to wreak more havoc!