Galamsey: Ghana may not achieve SDGs target-CSOs caution  

The Civil Society Platform on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has underscored the need for Government to find immediate solutions to the illegal mining conundrum, cautioning that Ghana may not achieve the SDGs Target by 2030 if the problem persists.

At a press conference in Accra to declare their stance on the illegal mining debacle that has engulfed the nation, the Platform called for a decisive action to end the menace.  

Reading a statement on behalf of the group, Beauty Emefa Narteh, a member of the CSOs Platform on SDGs emphasized that irresponsible mining not only threatens the achievement of Ghana’s national goals, but also hinders progress toward global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.

“Without combating Galamsey and other forms of illegal and irresponsible mining in Ghana, we will not be able to achieve the SDGs by the year 2030, which is barely six years away, and also, we will not be able to achieve Agenda 2063.”

The Platform called for the immediate revocation of LI-2462, which allows mining in forest reserve and withdrawal of all licenses that have been granted for reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration, and or mining in forests and protected reserves.

“We also call for the withdrawal of all licenses that have been granted for mining concessions that span across water bodies. Additionally, we are seeking for the enforcement of all illegal mining laws, including and preventing mining in water bodies and forest reserves.

“We are also seeking for the enforcement of the law that talks about buffer zone policy,which is that no mining activity should be done within 100 meters of any river or water body. We are asking for an immediate enforcement of these activities.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as a platform representing the collective voice of people, society, and world climate, CSO platform is compelled to stand in solidarity with fellow citizens and organized labour.”

The Platform called for collective action and stresses that without addressing the issue of illegal mining, Ghana’s progress toward achieving these long-term goals will be compromised.

Mr Siapha Kamara Chief Executive Officer of SEND West Africa indicated that the galamsey menace is a  threat to  the current and future generations so the is the need for government to address the menace head on.

Mr Kamara added, “all Ghanaians must be at the forefront…spread the word and educate Ghanaians on the consequences of what is happening currently in Ghana”   

 On his part, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition against Galamsey, called on Ghanaians to show their revulsion against illegal mining, describing it as “crisis of genocidal proportion.”  

By Mohammed Suleman/Publicagenda.news