Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, has expressed concerns over recent calls for an immediate ban on all mining activities in the country.
Well-meaning Ghanaians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), traditional leaders, and labor unions have mounted pressure on the government to impose a ban on mining to mitigate the harm done to the country's water bodies.
This comes in response to Ghana Water Limited's distress calls announcing its inability to supply adequate water to some parts of the Central Region due to the pollution of the Pra River.
However, in response to these calls, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, according to a report by citinewsroom.com, stated that a ban on mining isn't the appropriate measure as he believes it would render many youths engaged in responsible mining unemployed, despite his strong opposition to illegal mining. "You all know I am against galamsey, and I will continue to fight against it, but that should not prevent Ghanaians from engaging in mining activities.
Gold is for us, but the right methods should be used to mine it.
That is why there is an institution like the Minerals Commission that is responsible for regulating these activities," he is quoted as having said.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II further suggested that the benefits generated from mining cannot be overlooked in the fight against illegal mining; therefore, appropriate measures aimed at promoting responsible mining should be adopted to regulate illegal activities. "We are pleading to those calling for the declaration of a state of emergency, and those calling for a ban on mining should know the benefit the nation gets from mining.
If we stop mining, most of our youth will be pushed out of jobs. "We should adopt the right measures to regulate illegal mining so they can all do responsible mining.
As for the mining, we will do it, but we will do it responsibly," he noted.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who has also opposed the calls for a mining ban, reiterated the government's commitment to fighting against galamsey and not relenting despite the challenges they have encountered.
He assured that the government will adopt measures to protect the country's resources. "Despite these measures, some nation-wreckers, motivated by their selfish interests, continue to destroy our water bodies and forest reserves.
We know that what we are dealing with is money, and the cartels involved will always try to find ways of outwitting us. "But we will not relent on our efforts.
We will continue to adopt the necessary measures to protect our water bodies, environment and forest reserves and Nananom cooperation and support will be invaluable.
We welcome the various concerns that have been raised by several groups of people, as well as their recommendations for dealing with this matter," he said.
MAG/AE