The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has asked President Mahama to immediately declare a targeted state of emergency in areas affected by illegal mining, known as galamsey in the interest of the state, the people and future generation.
During a visit to the Jubilee House last week, the President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, said the directive when implemented would help protect the environment, forest reserves, biodiversity, rivers and water bodies.
“Mr President, the 32 years of our democratic dispensation in the fourth republic, has been governed 16 years each by the duopoly of NDC and NPP. The Catholic Church contributed to the struggle for freedom from authoritarian regimes, and we continue to speak and act, when necessary, because of our conviction about the inevitability of the freedoms of the person. But also because of our hope for the integral development of our people.
“Sadly, however, the successes chocked, over the years, notwithstanding, our political evolution is still underwhelming. Your Excellency, we are approaching you at this point in our country’s life because we believe that after 32 years of our democratic experience and the decisive mandate handed over to you by the Ghanaians electorate, it is time for real and meaningful change for our people. This means that failure will attract very little sympathy from the citizenry”.
He continued, “Your Excellency, we propose the following and we are ready to back you up in all ways to arrest this menace. First, repeal of permissive legal instruments. Audit and repeal legislative instruments enabling unchecked licensing under the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703) and associated legislative instruments. Place a moratorium on licences, and an immediate freeze on new artisanal and small-scale mining licences until a full review of environmental and social impact is completed.
“We believe there should be a targeted state of emergency. Declare, Your Excellency, a limited state of emergency in all the affected zones to suspend all mining activities temporarily. Deploy military engineering units for reclamation.”
He stressed that, strengthening environmental regulations, enforcing responsible mining practices and promoting sustainable land management are crucial steps to national development.
In response, President Mahama assured the Bishops that his government is already taking firm steps to curb the crisis.
“We have flushed out illegal miners from the country’s forest reserves and seized their equipment to prevent further environmental degradation. If you read the law, part of the Gold Board’s responsibilities is to work with small-scale miners who are compliant, to give them the technology and assistance to do mining sustainably.
“One of the things that Reverend Gyamfi raised in his presentation was the issue of a reclamation bond. We don’t charge reclamation bond to small-scale mining companies. We do it for the big companies. But it’s time for us to bring a reclamation bond to the small-scale mining community.
He added, “Some of the revenue they get from the gold is put into that bond. If they finish and they reclaim the land, their money is refunded. If they don’t, then that money will be used to contract people who will come and do the reclamation for us. 16% of our forest reserves have been destroyed and encroached upon.”
