Eco-Conscious Citizens, a civil society organization dedicated to environmental advocacy, has penned an open letter to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to take immediate action against illegal mining, known locally as "galamsey." The devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana's environment, health, and livelihoods cannot be overstated.
Awula Serwah, founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens, emphasized the urgent need for the new administration to address the environmental challenges facing Ghana. The country's forest reserves are being decimated, water bodies and soil are being poisoned, and the food chain is being compromised ¹. The consequences are severe, with rising cases of kidney disease, cancers, neurological challenges, maternal deaths, stillbirths, and deformed babies, particularly in areas affected by galamsey.
The group is calling for the reversal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which permits mining across larger portions of forest reserves. They also urge the president to declare a state of emergency, remove mining equipment and miners from forest reserves and water bodies, and stop issuing licenses to mine in these areas.
Furthermore, Eco-Conscious Citizens recommends pausing small-scale/community mining, investigating those named in Prof. Frimpong Boateng's report, and upholding the Polluter Pays Policy to ensure that those responsible for environmental destruction are held accountable.
The letter also highlights national security concerns arising from the lawlessness of illegal miners and their security personnel. It is imperative that the government addresses these concerns to prevent further environmental degradation and health risks.
Eco-Conscious Citizens' plea to President Mahama is not just a call to action but a reminder of the importance of prioritizing Ghana's environmental future. The organization hopes that the president will use his clear majority to reset Ghana for a healthy environment, devoid of the ravages of illegal mining.
As Ghana navigates its environmental challenges, it is essential to recognize the critical role that civil society organizations like Eco-Conscious Citizens play in advocating for sustainable practices and environmental protection. Their efforts serve as a reminder that environmental conservation is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of governments, civil society, and individuals.
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