An Environmentalist Group, Eco-Conscious Citizens is calling on the government to revoke all licenses issued for mining in forest reserves.
Awula Serwah, Executive Director of the organization, emphasized the urgency of halting these operations during her appearance on ABC News IN THE MORNING, stating that “I’m not sure that its the time to suspend the demonstration, because government has not given any specific time frame.”
“As we speak the Minerals Commission is still mining issuing licenses. There is no undertaken to revoke L.I 2462 licenses that were issued.”
She further highlighted the ongoing activities of the Minerals Commission, which continues to issue mining licenses despite the tension on mining matters in the country.
In related developements, President Nana Akufo-Addo has directed the suspension of the enforcement of L.I 2462, a regulation on mining in forest reserves, effective immediately.
The decision follows a crucial meeting with Organised Labour on October 8, after they threatened to initiate a nationwide strike on October 10 if the government failed to address the growing issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
In response to the environmental devastation caused by these activities, President Akufo-Addo outlined a series of measures, including the reinforcement of ‘Operation Halt,’ which aims to curb illegal mining through military intervention.
The operation will focus on polluted river bodies, with naval boats deployed to ensure an immediate cessation of all mining activities in and around these areas.
Despite the government’s assurances, there are signs of discontent among members of Organised Labour, which has suspended its planned strike action scheduled for October 10.
