UN Urges Ghana To Address Illegal Mining Menace

The United Nations (UN), has waded into the on-going illegal mining discussions, calling on Ghana to work together to eradicate the canker, which is causing devastation to water bodies and forest reserves.

It comes in the wake of ongoing protests against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey and calls by the Organized Labour to ban the mining, which has been rejected by government.

Government has explained the consequences of halting mining activities is dire, especially on the economy and employment.

In a statement released by the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Charles Abani, the United Nations, emphasized the severe consequences of unregulated mining, which extends beyond Ghana and impacts the entire West African region.

“Illegal and unregulated mining has devastating economic, social, and environmental consequences,” the statement read. “It exacerbates poverty, damages livelihoods, pollutes the environment, negatively impacts health and water, disrupts peace, and fuels illicit financial flows.”

Mr Abani, further stressed the importance of peaceful demonstrations, urging protesters to remain calm and law-abiding while calling on the police to uphold professionalism in maintaining public order.

“We call on all protesters to maintain a peaceful and responsible approach and, on the police, to maintain professionalism in protecting law and order while upholding human and civil rights,” he stated.

The United Nations, also called for unity among all sectors of Ghanaian society to address the illegal mining crisis.

“We call on all leaders in Ghana—government, national institutions, political parties, traditional and religious institutions, civil society, the private sector, and all citizens—across all opinion spectrums to work together to address this challenge. Ghana must succeed,” Abani urged.

The UN statement reiterated its support for sustainable and environmentally friendly actions in line with its #PactfortheFuture initiative, which focuses on climate action, environmental protection, and the creation of a brighter future for generations yet unborn.

“The UN in Ghana supports all actions in line with the #PactfortheFuture—including sustainability, climate action, the environment, and pollution—that secure a peaceful, brighter future for people, the planet, and generations yet unborn. This is our collective ambition,” Mr Abani concluded.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo, has appealed to organised labour, to reconsider its planned strike slated for Thursday October 10, emphasizing his commitment to addressing their concerns regarding illegal mining, which is wreaking havoc on the environment.

The appeal came during a closed-door meeting on Thursday, October 3, with union leaders, where the urgent need for decisive action against illegal mining was a central topic of discussion.

Sources from the meeting, revealed that President Akufo-Addo, requested organised labour to postpone its strike, asking for additional time to work on their demands.

Organised labour, has expressed frustration over what it perceives as the government’s insufficient commitment to combat illegal mining, which has led to widespread environmental degradation.

The unions, believe that urgent measures are necessary to address this critical issue and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.

Analysts have warned that a nationwide strike by organised labour, could have severe repercussions, potentially bringing various sectors of the economy to a standstill.

The threat of disruption, underscores the urgency of the situation and the necessity for a swift resolution.

In light of the ongoing tensions, President Akufo-Addo, has promised to invite organised labour for another meeting this week, to further discuss their demands and explore solutions.

A source at the presidency, said the President’s commitment to dialogue, reflects a recognition of the gravity of the situation and the need for collaboration between the government and labour organizations.

 Source: Anchorghana.com