The main Ghanaian opposition party NDC (National Democratic Congress) has adopted a majority of the points highlighted in Eco-Conscious Citizens’ ‘Greening Ghana For Real’ press release launched at Asanteson Gardens, La, Accra less than a fortnight ago on World Environment Day.
The Eco-Conscious Citizens multi-demand press release was supported by the Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group and co-signed by more than two hundred environmentalists and organisations.
The Minority in Parliament led by Hon. Dr Rashid Pelpuo recently held a press conferece and issued a statement which includes most of the recommendations in Eco-Conscious Citizens press release. The Minority echoed the environmentalists’ call on the Government to be consistent about greening Ghana.
“An example of the Government’s inconsistency, which has come to our attention, is a notice that appeared in the Daily Graphic on the eve of Green Ghana Day stating the Government’s intention to compulsorily acquire land at Afrisipakrom in the Tano North district of the Ahafo region for mining purposes. Whilst on the other hand purporting to green Ghana,” says Awula Serwah, coordinator of the non-partisan Eco-Conscious Citizens organisation.
“We welcome the Minority’s support for our recommendations and note the intention to work with us. Collaboration in the interest of Ghana is essential if we want to restore our ecosystems.”
A key demand is the revocation of section 3(2) of Environmental Protection (Mining In Forest Reserves) Regulations 2022 Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which enables the President to allow mining in a globally significant biodiversity area, if it’s in “the national interest”.
Mining in a globally significant biodiversity area will destroy the ecosystem on which living species depend and cannot be in the national interest. This law was passed by Parliament in November 2022. It is not yet clear whether the Minority participated in the process or were sidelined.
“In the interests of our democracy and transparency, questions must be asked. We are however pleased that the Minority has added its voice to the campaign to revoke L.I. 2462, and is in support of our recommendations,” continues Awula Serwah.
“We need an immediate pause to community mining,” urges Awula Serwah. “Activists in Sefwi Atronsu, Mantukwa and Apataim, to name a few campaigning to protect their environment from community mining need our support. It is in our own interest to speak up to protect our environment and food supply. Irresponsible mining is poisoning our land, and could lead to rejection of our agricultural products.”
The demands supported by the Minority include:
a) Revoking Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144 Forests (Cessation of Forest Reserve) Instrument 2022.
The E.I. removes 361.50 acres of forest from Achimota Forest Reserve, the lungs of Accra.
Existing forests must be preserved, if we are serious about climate change and Green Ghana. We cannot with one hand destroy portions of our existing forest reserves and with the other hand purport to green Ghana.
b) Pausing Community Mining.
Our current monitoring and enforcement regime is weak. We are unable to effectively monitor the few big mining companies we have, and cannot therefore effectively monitor numerous community mining operatives.
The unfortunate result is that community mining in many cases is destroying the environment. It is for this reason that activists in Mantukwa, Sefwi Atronsu and Apaitaim, to name a few, say “No” to community mining.
c) Setting up an Independent Public Enquiry into Prof. Frimpong Boateng’s report.
d) Holding the directors of Akonta Mining accountable for allegedly destroying portions of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and ensuring the company restores areas they destroyed. #PolluterPays principle must be put into practice.
e) Taking action on JoyNews’ documentary ‘Destruction For Gold’, where persons in military attire appeared to be protecting illegal miners destroying the environment.
“We commend the press, especially JoyNews, who are raising awareness of the dire state of our environment and the destruction from irresponsible mining and logging. Civil Society Organisations and Environmental organisations welcome a media that amplifies their voice.”
The organisation wishes to remind Ghanaians that President Nana Akufo Addo advised the citizenry to “be active citizens and not spectators” and that they must press on, until the canker of environmental terrorism is removed.
To the passive citizens and those who ignore what some believe to be an existential threat to our lives, she has this to say: “History will not forgive us if we stand idly by, whilst our environment is being destroyed, our water bodies poisoned, and there is an increase in birth defects and kidney disease, as a consequence of illegal mining.”
Eco-Conscious Citizens is currently developing a Green Manifesto in collaboration with other environmental organisations, which will come up with a list of redline demands. When finalised, there will be a call on all political parties “to put Ghana first and sign up to the Green Manifesto. Protecting the country from environmental terrorism is crucial,” says Awula Serwah, adding: “Ghana deserves better than wanton destruction.”
