GLORY INTERNATIONAL Consultancy, a pro-environmental protection agency, has called on players in the mining industry to implement safe mining practices as a way to protect the natural environment.
In a statement signed by its chairman, N.G. Paul, the company explained that some activities by some players in the mining industry emit harmful materials into the natural environment which eventually destroy the air, water and earth, thereby worsening the effects of climate change on our natural world.
“Ghanaians are good people who love their country so well and will always protect their country and stand up for their rights. Relevant laws, when passed, will help ensure a sustainable and progressive development for the country [Ghana],” the statement said.
The statement further stated that government had recently recorded a reduction in the general export of gold revenue, adding that when the relevant laws are passed to effectively regulate the mining sector, Ghana would be one of the leading gold exporters on the continent and in the world, which will in turn generate higher revenue for the country.
In recent times, there have been series of reports on the damning effects of illegal and unsafe mining on major parts of Ghana’s natural resources, with most notable river bodies completely being destroyed, making it unsafe for human consumption.
A number of civil society organisations (CSOs) and citizens alike have also, through various means, demonstrated against the menace of illegal mining while calling on government and all relevant stakeholders to put in place pragmatic measures to effectively combat the phenomenon.
These include passing of relevant laws to regulate the mining space.
The company also stressed on the need for mining companies, especially mining companies from the west, to comply with the country’s laws on labour tax, human rights and anti-corruption, as some of them do not respect these laws by maltreating their employees who are mostly Ghanaians and indulging in illegal and unsafe mining activities that negatively affect the environment.
BY Nii Adjei Mensahfio