The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has joined the chorus of people demanding that general mining and illicit mining—also known as galamsey—be prohibited in the forest reserves. Ghana’s woods, agricultural lands, and water bodies have all been severely damaged, according to UTAG. A press statement dated September 9, 2024, has this information.
“Have we not already destroyed 50% of what our forefathers left us?” UTAG questioned. Now is the moment to take action. Small-scale mining of any kind needs to be outlawed right away. The Association stated that because government-led programs like Operation Vanguard, Operation Flashout, and other state-led efforts have been utter failures, it has made a permanent position against galamsey and will employ all constitutionally permissible means to enforce compliance.
According to the evidence, small-scale mining has not benefited Ghanaians; rather, it has helped the political class, chieftaincy leaders, and the elite gain economic dominance. Given the current rate of devastation, it does not seem that the strong and uncompromising positions taken by some traditional leaders, like as Otumfour Nana Osei-Tutu II, the Asantehene, against this threat would be effective.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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