Ranking member of Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Alhassan Suhuyini, has assured that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will take decisive action to address the issue of illegal mining (galamsey) if the party wins the upcoming December 7 general elections.
He commended Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and labour unions for their continued efforts in the fight against galamsey and emphasized that a John Dramani Mahama-led administration would work collaboratively with these groups.
“We will engage constructively with civil society and labour unions to implement the comprehensive policies outlined in our manifesto, which focus on tackling the economic drivers of illegal mining while safeguarding the environment,” he noted.
In a statement, the Tamale North MP also criticized the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s handling of the situation, describing their approach as “clueless” and “pretentious.”
He further urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government to address the nation on the state of the environment and outline decisive measures to combat illegal mining activities.
Below is the full statement.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In light of the ongoing crisis surrounding illegal mining activities otherwise known as Galamsay in Ghana, we wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Civil Society Organizations and labour unions that recently have been at the forefront of advocacy, education, and community mobilization.
Their unwavering commitment to protecting our natural resources and advocating for sustainable practices has not only highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative approach to environmental conservation but has also galvanized the needed public awareness on the critical implications of these illegal practices.
However, it is with great concern that we must address the clueless and sometimes seemingly pretentious response from the government, and particularly the office of the President, regarding this pressing issue. The persistent pollution of our water bodies and the irreversible destruction of our cherished forest reserves pose significant threats to both our environment and public health.
Despite numerous promises and money sapping initiatives launched by the government, the situation continue to worsen as no progress has been made to effectively combat the galamsay menace, leaving many communities to bear severe consequences of the illegal mining activities.
The detrimental impacts of galamsay are widespread, affecting not just the environment but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems. We call upon President Nana Akufo Addo and his government to without fail address the nation on the State of our Environment, outlining the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities. This should include how to enforce the existing laws more rigorously, conducting thorough investigations especially on several allegations of the complicity of many government officials and party leaders, and holding accountable those already implicated by previous investigations in these destructive practices.
Moreover, we assure all concerned Ghanaians of the NDC and President Mahama’s future government commitment to engage constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to implement comprehensive policies, as crafted in our manifesto, that will address both the economic realities that drive illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection. We acknowledge more than ever how essential it is for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that preserve our natural resources for future generations.
We commend the efforts of those who have dedicated their time and resources to this crucial fight and reaffirm our solidarity with communities affected by the illegal mining menace. Together, we can advocate for and build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Ghana.
Source: Adomonline
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