Women in Timber Ghana (WiTG) and Women in Forestry have joined calls for an immediate halt to illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, across Ghana.
The women have vowed that if the government fails to put in place an urgent action by end of September 2024, they will not hesitate to join other groups calling for demonstration.
As women operating along the timber supply chain, they have expressed worry over the menace which continues to pose serious threats to forest and water resources, the agriculture sector as well as and affecting livelihoods.
In a statement, the group demanded a revocation of LI 2462 which permits mining in forest reserves.
They are also requesting the withdrawal of all licenses that have been granted under it for prospecting and mining in forests, protected reserve areas and around water bodies.
Additionally, the women stakeholders have called on the appropriate law enforcement authorities should destroy by burning any mining equipment used in alluvial mining and those involved be prosecuted.
Below is the full statement
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