The United Front Party (UFP) has called on the government to take immediate and decisive action against perpetrators of illegal mining, following a recent surge in public outcry against the practice.
At a press conference in Kumasi, the party expressed its deep concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining on the environment, water bodies, and local communities urging the depoliticization of the menace.
The party has urged the government to be emboldened by the public outcry and take concrete steps to address the issue.
Illegal mining has become a topical issue in recent months, with numerous organizations and individuals advocating for a complete ban on small-scale mining.
Despite recent measures announced by the president to combat the menace, calls have intensified for perpetrators to be dealt with.
Leader of the United Front Party, Nana Agyanim Boateng during a press conference, called for the depoliticization of the menace.
“This is a national issue we all have to sit down and find a better solution to it but politicizing it won’t be the best approach,” he said.
He urged that the government takes decisive action against perpetrators.
“We urge the Government of Ghana to lead the charge in holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that the damages caused to our natural resources are reversed especially when Ghana has signed onto international protocols and conventions that enjoins us to promote and ensure environmental protection” he added.
The call comes on the heels of a recent surge in public protests against illegal mining, which has been linked to the destruction of forests, pollution of water bodies, and displacement of communities.