The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has called on the government to impose a temporary ban on all small-scale and medium-scale miners who are operating in river bodies and forest reserves.
This urgent request comes in response to growing concerns about the environmental impact of mining activities in these sensitive areas, which are crucial for preserving Ghana’s biodiversity and water resources.
The CPP emphasized that protecting these ecosystems is vital not only for current generations but also for future ones, as they play a critical role in sustaining livelihoods and ensuring ecological balance.
In a statement signed by Osei Kofi Acquah, CPP’s National Communication Director, the party expressed its appreciation to Organized Labour for prioritizing the well-being of the nation.
The party commended Labour for its decision to rescind the planned strike, recognizing that this choice reflects a commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing workers and the country as a whole.
“The Convention Peoples Party has noticed with great concern the Politicization of the fight against the Illegal mining which has destroyed almost all of our River bodies and our arable lands.
“It is important to note that the Galamsey menace has been LEGACY problem that has been inherited by successive governments since 1992 as documented by THIRD WORLD NETWORK (GHANA) IN 2007”.
Convention People’s Party (CPP)
According to the Convention People’s Party (CPP), a study examining the effects of mining activities on host and surrounding communities has revealed that these mining communities are among the worst off in terms of socio-economic development.
The party indicated that the findings highlight the significant challenges faced by residents, including limited access to essential services, environmental degradation, and health issues linked to mining operations.
The CPP highlighted that it is well-documented that former Ministers of Lands and Natural Resources during the John Mahama administration, Hon. Inusah Fuseni, and Hon. Mahama Ayariga, almost despaired in the face of the formidable challenge posed by illegal mining.
The CPP noted that the experiences of the Mahama administration illustrate the complexities and obstacles that persist in hindering effective regulation and enforcement within the mining sector.
CPP Highlights Controversy Over Chinese Involvement in Galamsey
Furthermore, the CPP pointed out that research conducted by the International Growth Center (IGC) on “The Impact of Chinese Involvement in Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana” reveals that small-scale gold mining and foreign participation—particularly by Chinese miners—became highly controversial issues in Ghana during 2012 and 2013.
This controversy, according to CPP, ultimately led to the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Task Force by former President Mahama. However, the operations of this task force did not produce the results that Ghanaians had hoped for.
“It is therefore Unfortunate that at this crucial point in the history of Ghana when we as Citizens and Patriots who should stand shoulder to shoulder and fight to save our lands and river bodies will engage in petty partisan blame games with the mischievous mindset of scoring political points ahead of the 7th December Elections.
“On our part as Patriots and the political party that won independence for Ghana, the CPP do hereby propose ‘OPERATION SEE GALAMSAYER, REPORT GALAMSEYER’”.
Convention People’s Party (CPP)
The CPP stated that while it supports the right to demonstrate in regional capitals to raise awareness among policymakers and government authorities, it acknowledges that such efforts cannot be effective in isolation.
As such, the party urged all Ghanaians to report illegal mining activities in their communities to unit committee members, assembly members, local chiefs, the nearest police station, and the Municipal and Metropolitan District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) of their districts.
“In cases where the aforementioned authorities are unable to assist, we recommend that a report be made to the CPP constituency and regional offices, where our legal affairs committee is willing to use legal means to seek justices for the people”.
Convention People’s Party (CPP)
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