The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) says the fight against illegal small- scale mining will fail if local mining communities, traditional leaders and civil societies are neglected.
According to the group, it was evident that past efforts that included the deployment of military personnel, the burning of excavators, and other government-led interventions did not yield the expected results due to the lack of support of mining communities.
“The fight against galamsey cannot be won from Accra alone. It requires the collective will and active participation of all Ghanaians, especially those in the mining communities who witness the destruction firsthand,” said Mr. Wesley Owusu, Deputy General Secretary, at a press briefing.
He called on civil society and organised labour to focus on facilitating constructive dialogues for practical, inclusive policies that addressed the root causes of galamsey while ensuring that the affected communities are not pushed further into poverty.
The group warned that any politically motivated actions against the menace could backfire and derail the fight against illegal mining.
“As we approach a critical election period, the issue of illegal small-scale mining should not be viewed through a partisan lens. It transcends political allegiances and demands the unwavering commitment of every Ghanaian leader, regardless of their party affiliation,” he said
The group also called on all political leaders in the run up to election to present clear and actionable plans with timelines to address the galamsey menace.
“All Presidential Candidates Must Sign a Pact: A Call for a Unified Commitment to Continue the Galamsey Fight.
“This pact should not only outline each candidate’s specific commitments to tackling illegal mining but should also ensure continuity in the efforts to combat this menace beyond election cycles,” said Mr Owusu.
GNA
SOF
10 Oct.2024
