The Executive Director of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) Mr Sam Danse has reiterated the call on government to demonstrate more leadership in its efforts to address the illegal mining (Galamsey) conundrum in the country.
Even though the government has put some measures in place to try and address the Galamsey menace, Mr Danse feels the government has the responsibility to do more.
“On the current issues relating to mining and Galamsey in the country, I urge the government to demonstrate leadership whilst taking responsibility for the current situation that has destroyed livelihoods and now destroying our Water bodies- the only common property resource without which life is lifeless,” Mr Danse submitted.
He made the call while addressing participants at a Civil Society Convening on Natural Resources and Energy Transition in Accra.
The day’s convening was organised by ISODEC in collaboration with Publish What You Pay (PWYP), to discuss issues of mining, forest, water resources and the environment in general pursuant to the recent happenings in Ghana’s natural resources sector.
Mr Danse highlighted several critical issues facing Ghana’s extractive industry and its broader implications for the country’s economy and society. He noted that the discovery of lithium, in particular, represents a significant opportunity for the nation to play a pivotal role in the global shift toward renewable energy.
He added that, addressing the issues of transparency, environmental degradation, Inequality and resource distribution would require a comprehensive approach that includes stronger governance, community engagement, environmental protection, and equitable distribution of resources.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Lands, and Natural Resources, Ministry of Finance, National Development Planning Commission, Representatives of the Media, representatives of Mining affected Communities and small-scale miners as well as Civil Society Organization working in the environment sector
The Acting Coordinator of PWYP-Ghana, Mr Bernard Anaba, stated that, small-scale mining if properly regulated and accompanied by strict compliance and enforcement of punitive measures as outlined by law, could have significantly curtailed the activities of illegal mining that the country is currently grappling with.
He described the current situation as a national emergency that requires urgent action by the government.
Participants at the convening noted with regret the destruction of Ghana’s freshwater and forest resources including the socio-cultural heritage of Ghana’s pristine environmental conditions.
They bemoaned the irresponsible manner in which the country’s resources are being managed, leading to the depletion of these resources as well as pollution of the habitats where these resources are exploited.
They observed that the absence of prudent management and governance of “our resources has resulted in a fast decline in the living conditions of Ghanaians while exposing future generations to future uncertainties.”
By: Mohammed Suleman
