Professor of Business and Society and Research Lead at the School of Business and Law, Buckinghamshire New University, UK, has added his voice to the growing calls for urgent government action to address Ghana’s illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.
Prof Fred Yamoah urged government to halt new mining concessions and licenses until regulatory gaps in the sector are addressed.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 5, he questioned what government stands to lose if the L. I 2462 is repealed under his watch.
“I understand that you are seeking extra time for discussions with Organised Labour to reach an amicable agreement on their demand.
“But I ask, what would Ghana in your presidency lose if, in the interim, you announce no further concessions and licenses should be approved? Initiate under a certificate of emergency the repeal of that calamitous L.I. 2462 that legally permits mining under the forest reserves, passed under your hand in November 2022, for a reasonable period until this prevailing huge vacuum in the sector is filled?”
The call for immediate action comes as the government faces pressure from Organised Labour, which has threatened to strike on October 10 if no state of emergency is declared to protect the country’s natural resources.
The escalating environmental crisis, fueled by galamsey, has pushed labour groups, environmentalists, and concerned citizens to demand stricter measures.
But government is asking for more time to deliberate on the matter.
He also expressed concern over the silence of political aspirants on the issue, criticizing them for ignoring the looming environmental crisis in their bid for power.
He warned that failure to act now could lead to irreparable damage to Ghana’s environment and resources.
He further warned that political leaders who fail to act now may spend their time in office trying to resuscitate a country devastated by illegal mining.
“Galamsey has days and ways to reach a tipping point, and we have no business folding our arms or planning only to attempt to protect our heritage after elections. You may win power only to inherit a country with an unhealthy human resource that is unfit.”
“Let us all remember the good old saying – a stitch in time saves nine, and let us all join efforts to deal with the galamsey menace right away.”
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