The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called for illegal mining (galamsey) to be treated as a severe criminal offence due to its devastating impact on the environment, public health, and national development.
In a statement, the NCCE urged the Ghana Police, the Armed Forces and other security agencies, to intensify efforts to combat galamsey by arresting and prosecuting offenders.
The Commission also commended the actions of local communities and traditional leaders, encouraging nationwide efforts to preserve the environment.
The NCCE stressed the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, political parties, and local communities to tackle galamsey head-on, further calling out political parties to clearly outline their strategies to combat the illegal practise.
The NCCE condemned any double standards shown in addressing this national issue.
Pointing out the responsibility enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, the NCCE urged all Ghanaians to actively protect the environment and acknowledged its own role through tree-planting initiatives and environmental education programmes aimed at creating awareness of the importance of conservation.
The NCCE also praised the chiefs and youth of Akyem Asoum, as well as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for their efforts in combatting illegal mining activities in their domains, encouraging similar actions across the country.
The NCCE reaffirmed its commitment to working with state agencies and civil society to promote sustainable environmental practices, stressing that the fight against galamsey requires urgent, collective action to secure a sustainable future for all Ghanaians.
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