Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Atiwa East, Ghana – The Atiwa East District Assembly is taking a bold stand against irresponsible mining, led by the District Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ernest Owusu Ntim.
He highlighted the district’s dedication to reclaiming degraded lands and promoting sustainable mining practices.
“We’re filling the gap left by the military’s clearance operations,” he said. “The central government can’t do it alone; we need to take ownership of our land and help protect it for our people.”
The Assembly is advocating for a change in terminology, urging that “irresponsible mining” replace “galamsey,” which has become a term associated with illegal and destructive mining practices.
In an interview at the sidelines of ‘Beyond the Crackdown: A Policy Dialogue in Putting District Assemblies at the Heart of Mining Governance in Ghana,’ the DCE reiterated, “The stakes are high, with thousands of acres of land at risk of degradation, it’s a fight for the nation, and we need to be committed to it.”
The event, convened by Globe and Systems Consulting & JPRS Consulting Inc in partnership with the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies at the University of Ghana, brought together stakeholders from local government, civil society in natural resources sectors and national regulatory agencies such as the EPA and Minerals Commission to discuss research findings that provide evidence, impacts, and institutional pathways for reforms.
The Atiwa East Assembly is rallying stakeholders, including local communities, mining companies, and government agencies, to join their cause in promoting a Community Base approach to tackling irresponsible mining.
According to him, a comprehensive plan is in progress, with the Assembly and the consultants set to present the findings to the Local Government Minister and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. The aim is to make responsible mining a key performance indicator for district assemblies, ensuring accountability and enforcement.
“We’re not just talking about it, we’re taking action,” he added, stating, “We’re piloting this initiative to demonstrate the impact of what local accountability and enforcement against irresponsible mining looks like and to pave the way for sustainable practices.”
The DCE’s message to irresponsible miners is clear: “Come on board or face the consequences. It’s time to put Ghana first. We’re committed to this fight, and we won’t back down.”
The Assembly calls on all stakeholders to join the effort against irresponsible mining and to work toward a more sustainable future for Ghana.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
