Alhaji Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Member of Parliament for Tamale North and Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to address the nation regarding the ongoing environmental crisis caused by illegal mining.
In his statement, Mr Suhuyini acknowledged the efforts of civil society and labour unions in combating illegal mining. Still, he criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for its ineffective handling of the issue despite substantial financial investments.
He urged the President to provide a national address detailing the state of the environment and outline immediate and decisive actions to address illegal mining activities.
“The detrimental impacts of galamsey are extensive, affecting both the environment and the livelihoods of many who rely on clean water and healthy ecosystems,” Mr Suhuyini said.
“We call upon President Nana Akufo-Addo and his government to address the nation on this critical issue, outlining measures to enforce existing laws more rigorously, conduct thorough investigations into allegations of government officials’ complicity, and hold accountable those implicated by previous investigations.”
Mr. Suhuyini also assured Ghanaians that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President John Mahama would commit to tackling illegal mining if elected.
He stated that a future NDC government would work constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to implement comprehensive policies.
As outlined in the NDC manifesto, these policies aim to address both the economic drivers behind illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection.
Civil society groups, labour unions, and concerned citizens have recently called on the government to take decisive action to halt the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
Labour unions have threatened to strike if the government does not address the issue by the end of the month.
In response to the crisis, President Akufo-Addo has established a five-member interministerial committee to assess the progress of anti-illegal mining efforts and provide recommendations.
However, the government has rejected calls for a temporary ban on small-scale mining.
Full Statement of Alhassan Suhuyini below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 15, 2024
The President Must Urgently Address The Nation On The State of Our Environment
Accra, Ghana –
In light of the ongoing crisis surrounding illegal mining activities otherwise known as Galamsay in Ghana, we wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Civil Society Organizations and labour unions that recently have been at the forefront of advocacy, education, and community mobilization. Their unwavering commitment to protecting our natural resources and advocating for sustainable practices has not only highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative approach to environmental conservation but has also galvanized the needed public awareness on the critical implications of these illegal practices.
However, it is with great concern that we must address the clueless and sometimes seemingly pretentious response from the government, and particularly the office of the President, regarding this pressing issue. The persistent pollution of our water bodies and the irreversible destruction of our cherished forest reserves pose significant threats to both our environment and public health. Despite numerous promises and money-sapping initiatives launched by the government, the situation continues to worsen as no progress has been made to effectively combat the galamsay menace, leaving many communities to bear severe consequences of illegal mining activities.
The detrimental impacts of galamsay are widespread, affecting not just the environment but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems. We call upon President Nana Akufo Addo and his government to without fail address the nation on the State of our Environment, outlining the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities. This should include how to enforce the existing laws more rigorously, conducting thorough investigations especially on several allegations of the complicity of many government officials and party leaders, and holding accountable those already implicated by previous investigations in these destructive practices.
Moreover, we assure all concerned Ghanaians of the NDC and President Mahama’s future government commitment to engage constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to implement comprehensive policies, as crafted in our manifesto, that will address both the economic realities that drive illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection. We acknowledge more than ever how essential it is for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that preserve our natural resources for future generations.
We commend the efforts of those who have dedicated their time and resources to this crucial fight and reaffirm our solidarity with communities affected by the illegal mining menace. Together, we can advocate for and build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Ghana.
Alhassan S Suhuyini,
MP Tamale North Constituency
Ranking Member Lands and Natural Resources, Parliament.
