Members of Parliament, especially those from mining communities, have been tasked by Her Excellency, the Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, to actively participate in the government’s renewed campaign against illicit mining, or galamsey as it is known locally.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang, who gave the keynote lecture at the Parliamentarians Conference on Restoring the Culture of Small-Scale Mining in Ghana, urged the lawmakers to acknowledge their responsibility as important players in the battle against the threat and to assist the government.
Vice President Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the seriousness of the situation and called on Ghanaian lawmakers to act, since all three of the country’s water basin systems are under danger and 44 forest reserves are being destroyed by careless mining operations.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang praised the new Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for acting quickly to address the threat with a comprehensive, forward-thinking approach. He emphasized that a united front is required to stop the destruction and degradation of Ghana’s environment and fervently urged lawmakers and other stakeholders to support the government’s initiatives.
The vice president, who spoke on the topic of “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana,” said that the seminar is an important and timely step in curbing illicit mining activities in the nation and that group efforts will have a significant impact on changing the direction of galamsey operations there.
“Over the years, we have witnessed an alarming level of environmental degradation caused by illegal and irresponsible mining practices. Our forests are being degraded; our water bodies are being heavily polluted, rendering our lands barren.”
“This is not only threatening our ecosystem but has also jeopardized the livelihoods of many communities that depend on these natural resources. All three water-basin systems in the country are under threat! We have lost forty-four of our forest reserves to illegal mining activities, and it would cost us several hundred thousand dollars to reclaim.”
“The public outcry on this issue is a testament to the urgency with which we must act,” she added.
“You, our Honourable Members, are not only lawmakers but also the direct representatives of the people most affected by the impact of mining activities.”
“We have seen the effects of pollution of our water bodies in the very communities we oversee – babies born with birth defects and stillbirths – a nightmare for every woman.”
“It is, therefore, fitting that we convene here today to engage in meaningful dialogue and orientation on how we can collectively tackle this national concern.”
“The Government of Ghana recognizes that restoring responsible mining practices requires a multi-stakeholder approach.”
“This is why we have outlined deliberate steps to curb illegal mining, regulate the sector effectively, and ensure that small-scale mining is conducted in a manner that benefits the economy and the local communities without compromising our environment.”
“We appreciate that this is a battle that cannot be fought by the government alone, and we acknowledge the crucial role of Parliament in shaping policies, providing oversight, and ensuring compliance within the constituencies you serve,” she said.
The conference’s organizer and host, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized the need to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and water bodies in his Opening Statement, which urged for immediate action to reestablish responsible small-scale mining in the nation.
The Minister cautioned that environmental degradation endangers livelihoods and the national economy while speaking at the Parliamentarians Conference on Restoring the Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
“One of the most pressing issues facing our country today is the sustainable management of our natural resources and hydrology,” Hon. Buah stated. “At the heart of this challenge is the need to revive a culture of responsible, multi-scale mining.”
He voiced concern over the devastation of farmlands, the polluting of waterways, and the destruction of forests, emphasizing the public’s uproar over these problems.
The minister stressed that inaction might have disastrous effects on both the current and future generations, and he encouraged lawmakers to act decisively.
“Our destiny, my friends, is in our hands. It is deeply unsettling to reflect on the environmental devastation we have witnessed over the past two decades,” he said.
In order to debate sustainable solutions for Ghana’s small-scale mining industry, the conference gathered together important stakeholders, such as lawmakers, environmental specialists, and business leaders.
In order to protect the country’s natural resources, the minister’s comments reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making sure that mining operations are carried out appropriately.
Attendees responded favorably to Hon. Buah’s call to action since illegal mining, sometimes referred to as galamsey, continues to be a serious danger.
They expressed their opinions and recommendations on how to combat the threat and vowed to assist the difficult undertaking that lies ahead.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House, Hon. Alban Bagbin, gave a severe warning in his concluding remarks.
“Let me be unequivocal in stating that Parliament will not tolerate any member, regardless of their position, who is found to be complicit in illegal mining activities. As lawmakers, we must lead by example.”
“Any Member of Parliament caught engaging in or facilitating illegal mining will face the full rigors of the law. We cannot preach accountability and integrity to the nation while turning a blind eye to misconduct within our ranks”
All of the day’s speakers were charged with encouraging the members of parliament to support ethical mining in their local areas and to do their part to establish a sustainable mining culture in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com