Professor of Business and Society and Research Lead at Buckinghamshire New University, UK’s School of Business and Law, has joined the rising chorus of those demanding immediate action from the government to address the epidemic of illicit mining, or galamsey, in Ghana.
Speaking on Saturday, October 5, on JoyNews’ Newsfile, he questioned what the government would lose if he oversaw the repeal of L. I. 2462.
“I understand that you are seeking extra time for discussions with Organised Labour to reach an amicable agreement on their demand.
“But I ask, what would Ghana in your presidency lose if, in the interim, you announce no further concessions and licenses should be approved? Initiate under a certificate of emergency the repeal of that calamitous L.I. 2462 that legally permits mining under the forest reserves, passed under your hand in November 2022, for a reasonable period until this prevailing huge vacuum in the sector is filled?”
The demand for quick action is a result of pressure from Organized Labor, which has threatened to go on strike on October 10 if the nation’s natural resources are not protected by a state of emergency.
Stricter regulations are being demanded by labor unions, environmentalists, and concerned residents because of the growing environmental disaster caused by galamsey. However, the government is requesting extra time so that it can consider the issue.
He issued a warning, saying that inaction would do irreversible harm to Ghana’s natural resources and ecology.
He went on to warn that politicians who do not take action right away would find themselves trying to save a nation that has been completely destroyed by illicit mining.
“Galamsey has days and ways to reach a tipping point, and we have no business folding our arms or planning only to attempt to protect our heritage after elections. You may win power only to inherit a country with an unhealthy human resource that is unfit.”
“Let us all remember the good old saying – a stitch in time saves nine, and let us all join efforts to deal with the galamsey menace right away,” Prof Yamoah said.
