One of the galamsey sites in Ghana
The Eco-Conscious Citizens, an environmental advocacy group, has slammed Organised Labour for calling off its nationwide strike against the illegal mining menace.
In a statement, the group commended the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) for proceeding with the industrial action aimed at pressuring the government to address the urgent environmental issues.
The group underscored the pressing need for decisive action, particularly the demand for a State of Emergency to combat the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining in forest reserves and water bodies. They argue that failure to implement such measures would leave the fight against galamsey ineffective.
In their release, the Eco-Conscious Citizens called on all political candidates to commit to restoring the nation’s natural resources. They emphasized the importance of reclaiming damaged water bodies, farmlands, and forests and enforcing the “Polluter Pays” principle to hold offenders accountable.
Key Demands by Eco-Conscious Citizens:
1. State of Emergency: The group called for the deployment of military and police forces to remove illegal miners and their equipment from water bodies, forests, and farmlands.
2. Repeal of L.I. 2462: They demanded the immediate repeal of the legislative instrument that allows mining and logging in forest reserves, as well as the revocation of mining licenses granted in these sensitive areas.
3. Halt on Small-Scale Mining Licenses: The group urged the government to stop issuing small-scale and community mining licenses until further notice.
4. Investigation of Environmental Offenders: Eco-Conscious Citizens pushed for investigations into individuals implicated in the report by Professor Frimpong Boateng, who accused some public officials of engaging in illegal mining.
Although the group acknowledged some progress with the government’s agreement to repeal L.I. 2462, they warned that it could be a “publicity stunt” aimed at delaying real action.
The group noted that procedural hurdles in Parliament might prevent the repeal before the current legislative session ends on November 1, 2024. They urged the Minister for Environment, Science, and Innovation to take immediate action by addressing Parliament and speeding up the repeal process.
Awula Serwah, the coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to holding the government and political aspirants accountable, demanding stronger, immediate action to prevent further environmental degradation.