Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has described illegal and irresponsible mining as a major threat to Ghana’s rivers, farmlands and livelihoods, warning that the country cannot claim to be preserving its heritage while leaving polluted water bodies and degraded lands for future generations.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the 26th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Ramseyer Congregation in Abetifi, Kwahu, Dr.Julius Debrah called for collective action to tackle the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
He said the damage being caused by illegal mining goes beyond environmental concerns and threatens the livelihoods and wellbeing of communities that depend on natural resources.
“Illegal and irresponsible mining is poisoning rivers, destroying farmlands and threatening livelihoods. We cannot celebrate what we inherited while leaving polluted water and wounded land to our children,” Dr.Debrah said.
Government promises tougher action
Dr.Julius Debrah assured government will intensify the enforcement of existing laws, strengthen responsible mining practices and support the restoration of lands degraded by mining activities.
He also pledged measures to protect Ghana’s water bodies from further destruction.
“Government will enforce the law, strengthen responsible mining, restore degraded lands and protect our water bodies,” he stated.
However, the Chief of Staff stressed that enforcement alone would not be enough to end illegal mining, arguing that the fight also required a change in attitudes among communities and those benefiting from the activity.
He called on chiefs, churches, political leaders, businesses and citizens to reject what he described as the impunity that puts short-term financial gain above human life and environmental protection.
“This is a moral struggle. Chiefs, churches, leaders, businesses and citizens must reject the impunity that places quick profit above human life,” he said.
Dr.Julius Debrah emphasised that the destruction of water bodies should not be viewed through a political lens.
“Water is not partisan. A poisoned river does not ask how a community voted,” he said.
The Chief of Staff further linked environmental degradation to the growing impact of climate change, including floods, droughts and threats to food security.
He said Ghana needed to strengthen environmental protection through improved drainage systems, forest protection, climate-smart agriculture and disaster preparedness.
“Climate change is intensifying floods, droughts and threats to food security. We must improve drainage, protect forests, support climate-smart agriculture and strengthen disaster preparedness,” Dr Debrah said.
He urged Ghanaians to view environmental protection as a responsibility to future generations, stressing that responsible stewardship of the environment must form part of the country’s development agenda.
The address was delivered under the theme “Celebrating Our Heritage: Building on the Foundation Already Laid.”
Dr.Julius Debrah said the government, religious bodies, traditional authorities, businesses and citizens must work together to protect Ghana’s natural resources and build a sustainable future.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
