Accra: Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Convenor of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, has urged the government to revoke licenses granted for prospecting and mining in forest reserves. He emphasized the need for an immediate halt to mining activities in these areas and water bodies to prevent further environmental destruction.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Ashigbey made these remarks at the Annual New Year School and Conference organized by the University of Ghana School of Continuing and Distance Education, College of Education. The conference was centered on the theme 'Attaining the 5 Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership.'
Dr. Ashigbey called for a state of emergency to be declared, effectively halting both legal and illegal mining operations, especially in forest reserves and near water bodies. He advocated for strict enforcement of environmental laws, including the removal of mining equipment from these areas to safeguard biodiversity.
He also recommended deploying police and military personnel to remove and destroy all mining and earth-moving equipment around rivers and forest reserves. "We need to operationalise the special court to prosecute the perpetrators of this crime and prosecute all influential persons involved in illegal mining," he stated.
Dr. Ashigbey, who is also the Chief Executive of the Ghana Telecommunications Chamber, highlighted the necessity of strong political will and commitment to effectively enforce environmental laws and regulations. He stressed, "We need accountability from our leaders. Citizens must hold them responsible for environmental degradation."
He called for local communities to be involved in decision-making processes for better management of natural resources and urged influential figures like local leaders, religious bodies, traditional authorities, and business people to advocate against illegal mining. "We need to advocate for poverty alleviation strategies in rural communities and promote sustainable, nature-based solutions as alternatives to illegal mining," he added.
The New Year School, an annual event since 1948, serves as a significant platform for academia, industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues vital for national development. The conference opens at the beginning of each year, concluding with a communique summarizing participants' recommendations and discussions, which often shape the country's policy decisions and future directions.
