The Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (Youth-NREG) Platform has expressed deep concern over the escalating illegal mining (galamsey) activities ravaging the country’s natural resources.
In a press statement released today, the group, comprising young climate and environmental advocates, warned of the devastating impact of irresponsible mining on the country’s forest reserves, agricultural lands, and water bodies.
According to Youth-NREG, 34 forest reserves and four major rivers have already suffered significant damage due to illegal mining, leading to a loss of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and livelihoods.
The group described the situation as “ecocide,” branding it a crime against the environment and future generations.
“The ongoing destruction threatens the very survival of citizens and amounts to Ecocide, a crime against our environment and future,” the statement read.
Stakeholder pressure mounts
The group acknowledged the ongoing efforts of various stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society organisations, the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, and environmental advocates, who have repeatedly called for stricter actions against these activities.
However, they emphasised that ultimate responsibility lies with the government, urging it to enforce existing laws, hold perpetrators accountable, and restore damaged ecosystems.
“The Government of Ghana has the ultimate responsibility in enforcing existing laws, holding accountable those responsible for this environmental destruction, and ensuring the restoration of the ecosystems that have been devastated,” the statement added.
Call to Action
In response to the alarming situation, Youth-NREG made a series of urgent demands to the government to halt the damage and safeguard the environment. Key among their calls were:The immediate cessation of all forms of illegal mining activities ; A temporary suspension of legal mining operations to allow for a thorough review and enforcement of existing policies and regulations; and the cancellation of all prospective mining contracts or licenses.
Also, Legal accountability and financial surcharges on individuals and companies responsible for environmental destruction, with costs directed towards restoring damaged ecosystems.
The group also suggested that government make clear budgetary allocations from the national budget to support District and Municipal Assemblies in the fight against galamsey.
Government must also immediately “repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, deemed harmful to the environment; Enhanced collaboration with community leaders, media, and civil society organisations to improve surveillance and monitoring of forest reserves and rivers. It must present a detailed blueprint offering sustainable livelihood alternatives for young people involved in illegal mining.”
A Matter of justice
Youth-NREG highlighted the broader implications of illegal mining, framing it as not only an environmental issue but also a matter of justice. They argued that the rights of present and future generations to a clean environment and good health are being violated, calling for urgent action.
“Irresponsible mining is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of injustice and against the right to clean environment and good health of present and future generations,” the statement stressed.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, civil society, media, religious bodies, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to protect Ghana’s environment and promote sustainable development.
Youth-NREG also called on young people across the country to support efforts aimed at restoring and protecting the nation’s ecosystems.
“Our survival as humans depends on how well we manage the environment,” the group stressed.
