The Civil Society Platform Ghana on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has warned that the unchecked menace of galamsey could derail the country’s ability to achieve all 17 Sustainable Development Goals by the 2030 deadline.
The Platform, which represents the collective voice of civil society groups across Ghana, in a statement, declared its strong support for Organized Labour’s nationwide strike action over the destructive impact of illegal mining (galamsey), urging collective action to safeguard the environment and ensure the nation’s sustainable development.
The Platform expressed solidarity with Organized Labour’s decision to embark on strike action, underlining that the time had come for the government to take decisive action in protecting the nation’s environment and fulfilling its commitment to sustainable development.
“We are compelled to stand in solidarity with our fellow citizens and Organized Labour in this critical national affair.
“The unchecked destruction caused by illegal mining threatens the livelihood of rural communities, public health, food security, and the sustainability of the natural resources that God has abundantly endowed us with.”
Civil Society Platform Ghana on the SDGs
The Civil Society Platform further issued a stern warning, cautioning that if the current trends in illegal mining continue, Ghana’s efforts to meet the SDGs—globally agreed-upon goals to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all—will be in grave jeopardy.
“Ghana could miss all 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 due to the impact of illegal mining,” the statement added. The 17 SDGs include critical targets related to environmental protection, clean water and sanitation, poverty reduction, and climate action, all of which are being undermined by the environmental degradation caused by galamsey operations.
Calls for Unity to Combat Galamsey
The Civil Society Platform emphasized the urgent need for national unity in addressing the devastating consequences of illegal mining on rural communities, public health, food security, and natural resource sustainability.
The Platform’s leadership called for a nationwide movement, urging all citizens, civil society groups, and institutions to rally behind Organized Labour and push the government towards decisive action on the issue.
“We are fully throwing our weight behind the strike action of Organized Labour, and we strongly encourage all members and affiliates of the Platform to support Labour’s decision”.
Civil Society Platform Ghana on the SDGs
This call for collective action comes at a time when many Ghanaians have expressed growing frustration over the government’s inability to curb illegal mining activities.
Despite numerous interventions and pledges to tackle the problem, galamsey continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment, particularly in rural areas where rivers have been contaminated, farmlands destroyed, and forests depleted.
The Civil Society Platform’s stance reflects the growing concerns among environmental activists, community leaders, and policy experts that Ghana is at risk of long-term environmental damage, which would hinder its developmental progress.
Illegal mining has not only devastated the environment but also undermined efforts to secure clean drinking water, a vital resource for millions of Ghanaians, and disrupted the livelihoods of farmers who depend on the land for their sustenance.
The statement reinforced the need for a united front in combating galamsey and highlighted the importance of holding the government accountable to its promises of preserving the environment and achieving sustainable development.
“This moment presents an opportunity for every Ghanaian to unite and urge the government to fulfill its duty to protect our environment and ensure sustainable development”.
Civil Society Platform Ghana on the SDGs
As the strike action gains momentum, the solidarity of civil society with Organized Labour signals a pivotal moment in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.
This latest move by civil society will likely intensify pressure on the government, as calls for swift and meaningful intervention in the fight against galamsey reach a critical juncture.
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