Ghana Urged to Make Ecocide a Crime
Ghana’s Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has called for legislative action to make ecocide a crime in Ghana, emphasizing the need to protect the country’s ecosystems from severe damage caused by activities such as deforestation, illegal mining, and water pollution.
Speaking in parliament, Annoh-Dompreh stressed that ecocide is not just an environmental issue, but a justice issue that affects human health, livelihoods, and the economy. He cited examples of environmental degradation in Ghana, including pollution of water bodies and destruction of forests, which have devastating consequences for communities and the nation’s future.
Annoh-Dompreh recommended introducing a standalone law defining and criminalizing ecocide, aligning with international law, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. He also urged the government to advocate for ecocide to be recognized as an international crime, joining a growing global movement to protect ecosystems and promote environmental justice.
The MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri commended the government for proposing the creation of a national crime of ecocide and urged swift progression in creating national ecocide legislation. He emphasized that protecting Ghana’s ecosystems is a fundamental commitment to future generations, human dignity, and sustainable development.
The proposed legislation would make Ghana one of the few countries in Africa to recognize ecocide as a crime, following in the footsteps of countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium. Annoh-Dompreh’s call to action highlights the urgent need for Ghana to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable development.
