Combat illegal mining now, NCCE tells Government

Accra, Ghana - The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has issued a stern warning against illegal mining, calling for it to be treated as a severe criminal offense due to its devastating impact on the environment, public health, and national development.

In a statement, the NCCE urged law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, arresting and prosecuting offenders.

The Commission commended local communities and traditional leaders for their efforts in preserving the environment and encouraged nationwide collaboration to tackle the issue head-on.

The NCCE stressed the importance of collective action, calling on political parties to outline their strategies to combat illegal mining and condemning any double standards in addressing the issue.

The Commission reminded Ghanaians of their constitutional responsibility to protect the environment and acknowledged its own role in promoting environmental conservation through tree-planting initiatives and education programs.

The NCCE praised the efforts of chiefs and youth in Akyem Asoum and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in combating illegal mining, encouraging similar actions across the country.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with state agencies and civil society to promote sustainable environmental practices, stressing the urgent need for collective action to secure a sustainable future for all Ghanaians.

Find the full statement from the NCCE below.

THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CIVIC EDUCATION (NCCE) ON ILLEGAL MINING (GALAMSEY) AND THE NEED FOR ROBUST ACTION

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is deeply concerned about the continued degradation of our environment through illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Illegal mining is a direct existential threat to our environment, public health, and the prosperity of our country. It is not just an environmental issue but a serious criminal activity that undermines national efforts toward sustainable development and environmental governance.

The NCCE unequivocally condemns galamsey and calls on all relevant security services, including the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and other law enforcement agencies, to take immediate and decisive action against perpetrators. The security services must treat illegal mining as a serious offence that warrants urgent and robust intervention to halt its devastating effects. On the back of the above, we call on the security services to:

1. Intensify patrols and surveillance in galamsey-prone areas
2. Arrest and prosecute perpetrators
3. Collaborate with local communities to identify and report illegal mining activities

The NCCE calls on the two political parties that have governed this county over the course of the fourth republic to demonstrate a clear commitment to the fight against galamsey. They must articulate and spell out without equivocation how they will address the menace. It is highly
disingenuous to say in one breath they are against galamsey and in another breath encourage perpetrator to go ahead with it.

We the people of Ghana are enjoined by the 1992 Constitution, article 41 (K) to protect and safeguard the environment as our civic responsibility. As a commission, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental sustainability and civic responsibility. We have been actively engaging in tree-planting exercises, environmental education, and community outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. We, therefore, see galamsey as a big rollback to efforts at preserving the environment.

The NCCE, therefore, commends the actions of the Chiefs and youth of Akyem Asoum in the Eastern Region for chasing out people engaged in galamsey from their community, and we urge other communities to do the same. Every Ghanaian has a role to play in protecting our environment, and the law must deal swiftly and severely with those who willfully destroy our natural heritage for selfish gains. We also, commend the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II actions that resulted in the destoolment of chiefs involved in galamsey, the NCCE calls on the security services, including the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and other law enforcement agencies, to take a cue from the Asantehene.

The NCCE remains committed to working closely with state agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities to promote good environmental governance and ensure that every Ghanaian understands the importance of sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Let us all remember that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. Each of us must play a role in order for us to win this fight against galamsey. We must act now, decisively, and with a sense of urgency to preserve our natural resources and to secure a sustainable future for all Ghanaians.

May God Bless our Homeland Ghana and Make our Nation Great and Strong.

Source: Lead News Online