Institute a temporary ban on all forms of small-scale mining until we find a long-lasting solution to the menace of illegal mining bedevilling the country, the Apostolic Fathers of Ghana have told the government.
In a press release signed by Archbishop Duncan Williams on behalf of more than a dozen Apostolic titans, the religious leaders indicated that if the scourge were allowed to go unchecked, the country could bear damaging health and socio-economic impacts.
The revered leaders’ statement comes against a backdrop of numerous calls by many Ghanaians that the president declare a state of emergency to bolster the country’s efforts in the fight against galamsey.
The Apostolic Fathers urged individuals involved to consider the national interest over any parochial gains they might obtain from the activity of destroying forest reserves and water bodies.
“We, The Apostolic Fathers of Ghana, are calling on all politicians, traditional leaders, and foreign nationals involved in the illegal mining practice to immediately stop these harmful activities. We urge you to embrace the long-term interests of the nation and future generations, rather than pursuing short-term gains.
“We are calling on a temporary ban on all forms of small-scale mining activities in the country while we look for a permanent solution to this menace,” they wrote in a passionate statement.
The clergy leaders noted that “as stewards of His creation” citizens had a responsibility “to tend to the environment and “not to exploit it recklessly for personal gain”.
There was also the need, the release intimated, for the country’s mining regulatory bodies including the Environmental Protection Agency to apply the law in a manner that ensures strict adherence.
Although a topical issue for about a decade now, the illegal mining menace was brought to the fore recently when the Ghana Water Company announced it would ration water supply to Cape Coast and other parts of the Central Region as a result of the pollution of River Pra.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mitchell Asare Amoamah
