17 agric, aquaculture CSOs want end to galamsey, says 78% destruction of freshwater bodies alarming

By Wisdom JONNY-NUEKPE

Some seventeen Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, in a coalition, have through a statement called on the president and parliament to address the critical issue of illegal mining that has been wreaking havoc on the country’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystem.

The statement also called on the Chief Justice, IGP, Chief of Defence Staff, National House of Chiefs, MoFA and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministry to join the fight against the canker.

The coalition, representing key industry bodies and stakeholders, demands immediate and decisive action to combat the menace – including the cessation of all galamsey operations, immediate resignation of the Minister of Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies, restoration of degraded land and promotion of agroforestry efforts, among others.

In 2022, the Ghana Statistical Service indicated that galamsey’s  impact on the environment makes the economy lose an estimated US$2.3billion as over one million individuals are directly involved in the activity.

Equally, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) indicates there is currently widespread depletion of Ghana’s forest reserves taking place. It also noted that 78 percent of freshwater bodies are being destroyed by various negative environmental activities, among which is galamsey.

Also, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) last year confirmed that there are alarming pollution levels in water-bodies and much forest cover loss.

These revelations, the coalition explained, are alarming even if urgent action and measures are immediately adopted to tackle the problem.

Among other key demands, the coalition asked the Food and Agriculture Minister to publicly denounce galamsey’s impact, protect farm lands, support affected farmers and advocate sustainable agriculture practices.

The coalition said it stands resolute against the devastation caused by illegal mining activities and calls for innovative solutions, community involvement and justice for affected regions.

The coalition includes leadership of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana, Chamber of Agribusiness, Chamber of Aquaculture, Ghana Vegetable Producers, Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen, Association of Female Agricultural Fish Farming Award Winners, Ghana Rice Inter-Professional Body and the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers among others.

In the past three weeks, public anger against illegal mining has been growing – with pressure being mounted on government to act swiftly to stop the activity.

Prominent personalities and associations including Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, the Chief Imam, Catholic Bishops Conference, Ghana Bar Association and others have joined calls for the menace to be completely stopped.

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