The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), is calling for a de-politicization of the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
According to the union, a holistic and collective approach will be the game changer to tackle the canker rather than resorting to demonstrations and total economic shut down by the Trades Union Congress (TUC)
Civil Society, academia, Trade Unions, religious organisations have all joined forces to put pressure on government to immediately ban all forms of small mining as a measure of eliminating galamsey.
The various groups contend, the irresponsible mining is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of injustice and against the right to clean environment and good health for present and future generations.
“We therefore 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”, GUTA President Dr. Joseph Obeng said.
He is of the view that even though the fight against galamsey is a long term initiative, government should be emboldened by the outcry of the public and intervene with all the seriousness it deserves.
“This is a long-term thing to fight, we cannot just give such a short ultimatum to government, it is not fair. I think the President should also take advantage of the public outcry as support to take a decisive decision on this. The whole country is behind him to fight the menace”.
He further advised civil society organizations not to politicize the matter, bearing in mind that the issue at hand goes beyond politics.
“Civil society and organizations should be clear in their minds this is not politics. We should know that this is a menace that must be addressed devoid of politics so we have a sustained positive result. That’s why I won’t support call for demonstrations”.
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