President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to host a high-level meeting today, Friday, October 3, with key stakeholders and civil society organisations (CSOs) to talk about long-term solutions to the destruction brought about by illegal mining, or galamsey.
Among other prominent organisations, the event will bring together the Ghana Muslim Mission, Arocha Ghana, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Office of the Chief Imam, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ghana, and IMANI Ghana.
Stakeholders are anticipated to have a forum to exchange ideas and suggest tactics to support current government initiatives to stop the threat.
Dr. Sammy Ayeh, the presidential assistant, stressed that the administration views the fight against galamsey as a collective duty.
“The purpose of the meeting is for the government to receive feedback, strategies, and suggestions from these organisations and institutions to complement the efforts already in place to end galamsey. It is instructive to note that since the inception of this government, significant milestones have been chalked up. From operational to legislative measures, we have seen steps put in place to repeal LI 2462, which had become a bone of contention,” he explained.
He continued by saying that although the government has stepped up its legislative and operational changes, greater cooperation with civil society and faith-based organisations is still essential to defeating illegal mining.
“The government believes that the fight against galamsey is a collective one,” Dr Ayeh said.
Reactions to the choice to involve CSOs have been conflicting. The program has been hailed as a positive start by some, but others contend it runs the risk of being more talk than action.
The proposal was characterised as “a step in the right direction” by Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, the Dormaahene.
IMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe, however, voiced doubt and criticised what he believes to be the government’s over-reliance on discussion.
Source: newsthemegh.com