In a press statement, the institute stated that the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, along with the Ministers of Lands and Natural Resources and Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, failed to uphold and violated certain laws and regulations outlined in the Constitution [Article 268(1) and Article 36(9)] concerning illegal mining in Ghana.
“We’re, therefore calling the land and Natural Resources Minister and Minister of Environment Science and technology innovation to resign now for their failure to protect our natural resources.” The statement said
Ghana’s galamsey crisis, driven by lack of government action and careless mining practices, continues to cause serious damage across the country.
One of the biggest problems caused by galamsey is the destruction of water bodies. Harmful chemicals like mercury are used to extract gold, polluting rivers and making the water unsafe to drink.
This also harms fish and other aquatic life. Additionally, many rivers have become muddy, making it difficult for some communities to access clean water.
Galamsey has also led to widespread deforestation, as miners cut down trees and crops to reach areas with minerals. This loss of vegetation worsens soil erosion and reduces biodiversity, with long-lasting effects on climate change.
Illegal mining and the pollution of water bodies have resulted in the costly processing of fresh water for human consumption, expensive land restoration due to the damage caused, and the diversion of government resources to tackle the menace. Other economic activities, such as agriculture and cocoa production, have also been severely affected.
“Galamsey”
Galamsey is the illegal mining of gold and other minerals using dangerous chemicals and heavy equipment on protected lands, rivers, and farms.
This harmful practice has serious effects on the environment, destroying farmland, polluting water sources, harming wildlife, and affecting the lives of many communities in Ghana.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GALAMSEY! WHO BREAKS THE LAW?
LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER MUST RESIGN NOW
Institute of Climate and Coastal Environment Protection Ghana (ICCEP GHANA) has noted that the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Lands and Natural Resources Minister and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Innovation failed and violet some laws and regulations related to illegal mining in Ghana:
Constitutional Provisions:
1. Article 268(1) of the 1992 Constitution: State ownership of minerals.
2. Article 36(9): Protection of environment and natural resources.
Legislations:
1. Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703): Regulates mining activities.
2. Minerals Commission Act, 1993 (Act 450): Establishes Minerals Commission.
3. Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490): Regulates environmental impact.
4. Forestry Commission Act, 1999 (Act 562): Protects forests.
5. Water Resources Commission Act, 2006 (Act 722): Regulates water resources.
Regulations:
1. Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2173)
2. Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1652)
3. Forestry (Amendment) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2003)
Recent Developments:
1. Operation Vanguard (2017): Task force established to combat illegal mining. Failed
2. Ban on small-scale mining (2017-2018): Temporary ban to address environmental concerns. Failed
3. Mining Policy Framework (2019): Guidelines for sustainable mining practices. Failed
Therefore the land and Natural Resources Minister and Minister of Environment Science and technology innovation must resign now for failure to protect our natural resources.
Signed Emmanuel Gameli Dovia
Executive Director
Institute of Climate Coastal and Environmental Protection- Ghana (ICCEP GHANA)
+233(0) 242023440
