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Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale North and Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, Alhaji Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to address the nation on the state of the environment concerning the fight against illegal mining.
While praising civil society and labour unions for their commitment to the fight against illegal mining, Mr Suhuyini chastised the Government of President Akufo-Addo for failing to make headway in the fight despite having sunk huge resources into the fight.
“The detrimental impacts of galamsay are widespread, affecting not just the environment but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems. We call upon President Nana Akufo Addo and his government to without fail address the nation on the State of our Environment, outlining the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities. This should include how to enforce the existing laws more rigorously, conducting thorough investigations, especially on several allegations of the complicity of many government officials and party leaders, and holding accountable those already implicated by previous investigations in these destructive practices,” Mr Suhuyini demanded.
He then assured Ghanaians of the commitment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by John Mahama to the fight against illegal mining, stating that the menace will be addressed under a Mahama Presidency.
“Moreover, we assure all concerned Ghanaians of the NDC and President Mahama’s future government commitment to engage constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to implement comprehensive policies, as crafted in our manifesto, that will address both the economic realities that drive illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection. We acknowledge more than ever how essential it is for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that preserve our natural resources for future generations,” the statement added.
Civil society and labour unions as well as many concerned Ghanaians have launched an appeal to the government to halt the devastation of the environment occasioned by illegal mining by tackling it head-on. Labour unions have given the government up to the end of this month to address it lest they go on strike.
President Akufo-Addo in response has set up a five-member interministerial committee to assess the progress of the fight so far and make appropriate recommendations. Calls for a total temporary ban on small-scale mining have been rejected by the government.
Full Statement of Alhassan Suhuyini below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 15, 2024
The President Must Urgently Address The Nation On The State of Our Environment
Accra, Ghana –
In light of the ongoing crisis surrounding illegal mining activities otherwise known as Galamsay in Ghana, we wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Civil Society Organizations and labour unions that recently have been at the forefront of advocacy, education, and community mobilization. Their unwavering commitment to protecting our natural resources and advocating for sustainable practices has not only highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative approach to environmental conservation but has also galvanized the needed public awareness on the critical implications of these illegal practices.
However, it is with great concern that we must address the clueless and sometimes seemingly pretentious response from the government, and particularly the office of the President, regarding this pressing issue. The persistent pollution of our water bodies and the irreversible destruction of our cherished forest reserves pose significant threats to both our environment and public health. Despite numerous promises and money-sapping initiatives launched by the government, the situation continues to worsen as no progress has been made to effectively combat the galamsay menace, leaving many communities to bear severe consequences of illegal mining activities.
The detrimental impacts of galamsay are widespread, affecting not just the environment but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems. We call upon President Nana Akufo Addo and his government to without fail address the nation on the State of our Environment, outlining the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities. This should include how to enforce the existing laws more rigorously, conducting thorough investigations especially on several allegations of the complicity of many government officials and party leaders, and holding accountable those already implicated by previous investigations in these destructive practices.
Moreover, we assure all concerned Ghanaians of the NDC and President Mahama’s future government commitment to engage constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to implement comprehensive policies, as crafted in our manifesto, that will address both the economic realities that drive illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection. We acknowledge more than ever how essential it is for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that preserve our natural resources for future generations.
We commend the efforts of those who have dedicated their time and resources to this crucial fight and reaffirm our solidarity with communities affected by the illegal mining menace. Together, we can advocate for and build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Ghana.
Alhassan S Suhuyini,
MP Tamale North Constituency
Ranking Member Lands and Natural Resources, Parliament.