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The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries has called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, and his deputies due to their perceived failure in addressing the illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.
In a statement released on Thursday, the coalition, led by the Chamber of Agribusiness, expressed deep concerns over the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment and livelihoods, particularly within agricultural and aquatic sectors. They accused the Ministry of failing to effectively protect the country’s natural resources from the growing threat of illegal mining.
“We, the coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, representing key industry bodies and stakeholders, urgently call upon Ghana’s president, the executive, and parliament to address the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) wreaking havoc on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems,” the statement read.
The coalition laid out several demands to combat galamsey:
1. Immediate cessation of all galamsey operations.
2. Resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and his deputies.
3. Restoration of degraded lands and prosecution of perpetrators.
4. Implementation of sustainable mining practices and support for affected communities and industries.
5. Creation of a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee, composed of respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders.
6. Deployment of military and police personnel to affected areas.
7. Immediate environmental assessments and urgent action to halt further galamsey activities.
8. Provision of alternative livelihoods, development of a National Mining Policy, and establishment of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund.
9. Promotion of agroforestry and reforestation efforts.
The coalition emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to prevent further destruction of Ghana’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems, calling for strong government intervention to protect the nation’s natural resources and restore affected communities.
