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Urgent Call to Action: Civil Society Organizations Demand End to Illegal Mining in Ghana

A coalition of civil society organizations, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens has issued a pressing call to the Ghanaian government to address the escalating issues of illegal mining, environmental degradation, and regulatory enforcement failures.

The group, comprising A Rocha Ghana, Kasa Initiative Ghana, Nature and Development Foundation, and Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape, among others, presented a six-point demand to the government, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

Key Demands:

Revoke LI 2462: The Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation, 2022 (LI 2462), which permits mining in Ghana’s forest reserves, must be revoked with immediate effect.
Ban Tributer Mining Lease Allocation Regime: The regime has been misused and abused, and its ban is necessary to prevent further environmental degradation.
Address Forestry Officers’ Arrest: The recent arrest of forestry officers for preventing illegal mining in the Atewa Forest is counterproductive and undermines the rule of law.
New Leadership for Eastern Regions Compliance and Enforcement Team: The current leadership has failed to enforce laws against illegal mining, and new leadership is necessary to prioritize the enforcement of minerals and mining regulations.
Resource Forestry Commission to Confiscate Excavators: The government must provide the Forestry Commission with the necessary tools and resources to monitor, regulate, and combat illegal mining activities.
New Leadership for Minerals Commission: The current leadership has failed to ensure responsible mining practices, and new leadership is necessary to prioritize transparency, accountability, and environmental safeguards.

The group emphasized that the fight against illegal mining requires bold, decisive, and uncompromising actions. They demand a new era of leadership in key agencies, robust enforcement of laws, and a relentless commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s environment and future.

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