The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) has called for urgent measures to tackle the ongoing environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies.
The Academy, in a statement, issued by its President, Prof. Kofi Opoku Nti, FGA, urged the government and Parliament to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022, also known as L.I. 2462, and enforce a total ban on mining activities in these critical ecosystems.
GAAS highlighted several key issues tied to the destructive impact of mining in forest reserves and water bodies. According to the statement, forest reserves were created to combat desertification, protect water sources, and provide favourable climatic conditions for cocoa production.
According to the Academy, the continuation of mining in these areas threatens these essential ecological functions, jeopardizing both the environment and key sectors of Ghana’s economy, including agriculture.
“As a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Ghana is obligated to follow global environmental agreements. However, L.I. 2462 which permits mining in forest reserves contradicts Ghana’s international commitments to combat climate change, prevent land and water degradation, and conserve biodiversity”.
Prof. Kofi Opoku Nti, FGA, President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS)
GAAS stressed that forest conservation is not only about safeguarding the present but also ensuring future generations inherit an ecologically balanced environment.
The statement further argued that forests are valuable not just for their economic and environmental benefits today but also for their potential in scientific research, which could offer solutions to pressing global challenges like climate change and pollution.
Legislative Oversight and L.I. 2462
The Academy expressed regret that Parliament failed to annul L.I. 2462 when it had the chance, noting that this oversight has led to the issuance of mining permits that now endanger forest reserves.
According to GAAS, the regulation opened a backdoor for mining companies to gain entry into protected areas, contributing to the ongoing environmental degradation.
Destruction of Water Bodies
The pollution of water bodies due to mining activities is of particular concern. GAAS warned that the situation is escalating into a public health and economic crisis, citing rising water treatment costs due to increased pollution.
“The Ghana Water Company has warned that water treatment costs have risen sharply due to increased pollution, signalling potential health risks and unaffordable water tariffs in the near future”.
Prof. Kofi Opoku Nti, FGA, President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS)
GAAS’ Recommendations for Immediate Action
In light of these critical issues, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) proposed a series of urgent measures to reverse the damage caused by illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources, including the immediate revocation of L.I. 2462.
The Academy strongly urged the Executive and Parliament to revoke L.I. 2462 to halt further encroachment into forest reserves. Without immediate action, GAAS warned that all of Ghana’s forest reserves could be depleted by 2030.
“The Executive and Parliament must consult widely with scientific experts and stakeholders when enacting legislation that affects the environment. They should use their powers under the Constitution to protect the country from environmental threats”.
Prof. Kofi Opoku Nti, FGA, President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS)
GAAS also demanded that no more permits or licenses for mining in forest reserves be issued, asserting that companies that currently hold permits should be relocated to areas outside forest reserves, with the necessary support to restart their operations in these new zones.
“Those engaged in illegal mining or violating their licenses must be evicted immediately”, the statement read.
Additionally, the Academy urged the government to implement an immediate and strict ban on mining in water bodies and their surrounding areas.
It recommended that no new licenses be granted for such activities and called for strict enforcement to prevent further pollution and destruction of Ghana’s rivers and lakes.
GAAS further called for law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to implement these recommendations.
The Academy believes that the majority of Ghanaians support strong action to protect the environment and prevent further damage from illegal mining activities.
In conclusion, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) expressed its deep concern about the negative impact of illegal mining on forest reserves and water bodies.
The Academy urged the Executive and Parliament to take immediate steps to revoke L.I. 2462 to prevent further environmental destruction and to ban mining in water bodies.
“The Academy stands ready to work with all stakeholders to protect Ghana’s environment and stop illegal mining”, the statement concluded.
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