The conversation sparked around illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey in Ghana has attracted the attention of the United Nations (UN) as it has called for a concerted approach towards its fight.
In a statement, the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Charles Abani highlighted the economic, social and environmental implications of illegal and unregulated mining in the country.
“We have seen this across West Africa and Ghana is no exception. Among other things, it exacerbates poverty, damages livelihoods, pollutes the environment, negatively impacts health and water, disrupts peace, and fuels illicit financial flows.”
As a solution to it, it urged the various leaders of the West African country to come together and fashion out a sustainable and effective resolution of the menace.
“We call on all leaders in Ghana – in Government, in national institutions, in political parties, in traditional and religious institutions, in civil society, the private sector and all citizens – across all opinion spectrums – to work together to address this challenge. Ghana must succeed.”
It continued, “The UN in Ghana supports all actions in line with the #PactfortheFuture- including on sustainability, on climate action, the environment, and pollution – that secure a peaceful, brighter future for people, the planet and generations yet unborn. This is our collective ambition.”
Additionally, it urged the youth who have in recent days mounted protests to maintain the utmost decorum as well as the police to uphold professionalism in crowd control.
“We call on all protesters to maintain a peaceful and responsible approach and on the police to maintain professionalism in protecting law and order while upholding human and civil rights.”
The streets of Accra in recent weeks have been bustling with a series of protests against illegal mining with a call for decisive action by the government to stop it and its attendant effects.
The first was the three- day Democracy Hub protest which saw 54 protesters ending up in police and prison custody. It was followed by another last week.
Meanwhile, Organised Labour has announced an industrial action starting this Thursday, also in protest against illegal mining.
Source:opemsuo.com