Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba II, the Queen Mother of Nyankrom and Acting Paramount Queen Mother of the Shama Traditional Council has expressed deep concern over the surge in illegal mining activities in Ghana.
She urged the government to take immediate action to safeguard water bodies and protect the environment.
Speaking at the 14th Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Annual Natural Resources and Environment Review Forum 2023 in Accra, Nana Gyamfiaba II highlighted the destructive impact of illegal mining on water bodies, farmlands, plant species, and buffer zones.
The forum, organized by Kasa Initiative Ghana, focused on “Enhancing the integration of sustainable National Resource and Environment Priorities in Ghana’s Development Frameworks.”
It aimed to encourage the inclusion of key natural resource and environmental issues in political manifestos leading up to the 2024 elections.
Nana Gyamfiaba II appealed to the government to repeal LI 2462, emphasizing the need to prohibit mining activities in all forest reserves. She underscored the adverse health effects of mining, including the use of mercury affecting fertility and childbirth.
Dr Mary Ewusi, Deputy Director Interparty/CSOs Organisation, National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasized the importance of sustainable natural resource management, covering land, water, soil, plants, and animals.
She called for increased public awareness and education on managing resources in a sustainable manner.
Dr Ewusi highlighted the challenges Ghana faces, such as securing energy and fuel supply, job creation, addressing climate change, and dealing with floods. She stressed the need for innovative approaches and a commitment to environmental management.
The NDC, according to Dr Ewusi, has prioritized environmental issues in its campaign document, pledging to reduce deforestation, increase afforestation, and tackle illegal mining.
The party aims to enhance private sector participation and engage civil society organizations, communities, and individuals in reforestation efforts.
Albert Kataka warned against mining in forest reserves, emphasizing the potential loss of all forest resources if unchecked. Jonathan Gokah, Coordinator of Kasa Initiative Ghana, announced the organization’s plans to continue engaging political parties on natural resource management issues.
The initiative seeks to refine party policies within their manifestos and draft official communiques for state agencies and ministries on NRE issues.
The next step involves one-on-one engagements with political parties on the environment and natural resources.
