Kofi Bentil, vice president of IMANI Africa, has proposed two crucial strategies to stop illicit small-scale mining before it starts.
He first demanded that imports of excavators be prohibited, emphasizing that anyone in need of one must apply for a license.
Second, Mr. Bentil proposed that all areas used for galamsey be taken by the state. According to him, any chief who permits galamsey will forfeit those territories to the state.
These remarks were posted by him on his Facebook page.
“Ban all imports of excavators! Anyone who needs one must get a license. Seize all lands on which galamsey is done! Forfeit to the state, so any chief who allows galamsey loses that land!” the private attorney declared.
Kofi Bentil also voiced the opinion that the government is feigning to be combating illicit small-scale mining.
He pointed out that certain police and military personnel who are meant to be fighting the threat are actually collaborating.
“We are pretending to be fighting galamsey. There are allegations that some police personnel, military officers, and MMDCEs are complicit in galamsey activities,” he stated on The Key Points on TV3, Saturday, August 16.
Professor Ransford Gyampo, the CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, has advocated for more robust measures to combat illicit small-scale mining, or galamsey.
He stated that either Galamsey is destroyed or the nation is destroyed.
“Enough is enough; it’s either we destroy galamsey or it destroys us. We need to step up our efforts in fighting this menace,” he stated on The Key Points on TV3, Saturday, August 16.
The tragic helicopter crash occurrence, according to the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), underscores the urgent need for swift, apolitical action against illegal mining, which continues to have a terrible impact on communities, the environment, and natural resources.
According to ISODEC, illicit mining continues to pose a serious hazard to present and future generations.
In the nation, illegal mining operations have been linked to substantial biodiversity loss, extensive environmental deterioration, and the devastation of water bodies with ensuing health effects on residents.
Communities impacted by these operations frequently face severe repercussions, such as loss of livelihoods and health risks.
“As we reflect on the lives lost in this unfortunate accident, we are reminded of the urgent responsibility that rests on our government to safeguard our precious resources and the well-being of our citizens.
“ISODEC calls on the government to take immediate and comprehensive measures to enforce all existing laws and regulations against illegal mining and mining in forest areas. This includes declaring an immediate state of emergency on mining, repealing Act LI 2462 as a matter of urgency, and strengthening collaboration with law enforcement agencies to identify, expose, and ruthlessly deal with the kingpins and cohorts in illegal mining; confiscate proceeds from people who have used illegal mining to create personal wealth; enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms; and ensure that all those engaged in illegal mining, whether directly or indirectly, are named, shamed, and held accountable.
“Furthermore, we urge the government to accelerate the implementation of sustainable community mining programmes that respect environmental protection, promote soil and vegetative health, and encourage local participation. By empowering communities to engage in responsible mining practices, we can create pathways towards sustainable development that prioritize both economic growth and the preservation of our natural heritage,” a statement said.
“Let us honor the memory of the departed by taking bold steps to protect our environment and ensure a future where mining operates within the bounds of legality and sustainability,” ISODEC continued in the wake of this tragedy.
“Together, we can work towards restoring balance in our ecosystem whilst fostering prosperity for all Ghanaians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy.”
Source: newsthemegh.com