The Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform has called on the government to take immediate action and stop all illegal mining activities, given their severe and far-reaching consequences for the nation.
According to the Youth-NREG Platform, this decisive step is necessary to protect the country’s natural resources and prevent further environmental degradation.
The Youth-NREG Platform expressed grave concern over the unchecked and destructive galamsey operations that are wreaking havoc on Ghana’s environment, ravaging forest reserves, and agricultural lands, and contaminating water bodies.
“Some 34 forest reserves and 4 major rivers have so far been severely damaged by such activities, leading to the loss of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and livelihoods. This ongoing destruction threatens the very survival of citizens and amounts to Ecocide, a crime against our environment and future”.
“We acknowledge the calls from various stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society organizations, the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, and environmental advocates, for decisive action against these activities”.
The Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform
The Youth-NREG Platform emphasized that the Government of Ghana bears the ultimate responsibility for enforcing existing laws and holding perpetrators accountable for the environmental devastation caused by galamsey.
Furthermore, the group indicated that the government must take concrete steps to restore the damaged ecosystems and protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
The Youth-NREG Platform further demanded that the government impose a temporary moratorium on legal mining activities to conduct a comprehensive review of the sector.
According to the group, this review will enable the government to strengthen policies, enforcement, and regulations, ultimately ensuring that mining activities align with environmental and social sustainability standards.
The Youth-NREG Platform also demanded that the government cancel all prospective mining contracts and licenses.
According to the group, this is to ensure that the issuance of new permits is halted until robust measures are put in place to prevent environmental degradation and ensure responsible mining practices.
Gov’t Urged To Prosecute Irresponsible Miners
The Youth-NREG Platform urged the government to hold accountable all companies and individuals responsible for irresponsible mining and environmental destruction, including the degradation of forest reserves and water bodies.
The group indicated that those found guilty must be surcharged and required to cover the full cost of restoring the damaged ecosystems to their original state.
The Youth-NREG Platform also appealed to the government to prioritize the fight against galamsey by allocating dedicated funds in the national budget to support District and Municipal Assemblies in their efforts to combat irresponsible mining.
“With immediate effect repeal LI2462 which we find very destructive to our environment and future. Collaborate closely with community leaders, media, and civil society organizations to improve surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement across the country’s forest reserves and rivers”.
“Present a blueprint of pragmatic livelihood alternatives for young people involved in irresponsible or illegal mining activities. The time for action is now. Irresponsible mining is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of injustice and against the right to a clean environment and good health of present and future generations”.
The Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform
The Youth-NREG Platform is calling on the Government of Ghana to take a leading role in holding perpetrators of environmental destruction accountable for their actions and ensuring that the damage is reversed.
The group noted that as a signatory to international protocols and conventions that promote environmental protection, Ghana has a responsibility to uphold these commitments and protect its natural resources for future generations.
“We at Youth-NREG remain resolute and unswerving to work with government, civil society, media, religious bodies, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to protect Ghana’s environment and promote sustainable development for future generations”.
The Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform
The Youth-NREG Platform is mobilizing Ghanaian youth to actively support and contribute to initiatives that restore and protect the nation’s ecosystem.
The group maintained that this will ensure their own survival and well-being, as the health of the planet is inextricably linked to human existence
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