The Media Coalition Against Galamsey (MCAG), a coalition of media organisations, has urged the government to adopt radical measures in the fight against illegal mining known as ‘galamsey.’
According to the coalition, the government and other relevant stakeholders had not demonstrated enough commitment towards the fight against the activity, despite several efforts by the coalition towards the fight, including awareness creation.
The coalition, in a statement issued yesterday, urged the government to ensure that all small-scale and surface mining activities were stopped immediately by operators to allow for the restoration of water bodies and forests.
Additionally, it called for the amendment of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as well as the exposure and sanctioning of influential people involved in illegal mining activities.
The coalition also bemoaned the role of Municipal and District Chief Executives under whose jurisdiction the illegal mining took place and therefore called for their sacking based on evidence on the ground.
The statement adds that “Ministers and their deputies whose responsibility it is to regulate the mining sector, have failed Ghana. They must also be sacked for disappointing present and unborn generations”.
It also suggested the provision of gainful and alternative employment to individuals involved in illegal mining activities, while ensuring that such a measure was implemented before the celebration of this year’s Farmers’ Day.
This, according to the coalition, was necessary because the activities of illegal mining had a direct impact on the farmers and their efforts.
The coalition further said that there was no conceivable justification for the activities of illegal mining to continue in the country based on the study of the phenomenon from all possible viewpoints.
For this reason, it called on all well-meaning Ghanaians and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to join hands with the media in mounting pressure on those in authorities to take the appropriate measures in order to save water bodies and preserve the environment for future generations.
BY TIMES REPORTER
