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Mr Sulemana Yusif, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has made a compelling call to the international community for greater collaboration and support towards fighting the ongoing crusade against illegal small-scale mining in Ghana.
Speaking at a commemorative tree planting ceremony under the ‘Tree for Life’ Reforestation Initiative, Mr Yusif expressed the Government’s commitment to tackling the illegal mining phenomenon head-on.
However, he noted that the transboundary nature and sophistication of the illegal mining operations necessitated the need for strong international partnerships.
The Deputy Minister outlined a five-pillar strategy guiding Ghana’s efforts against illegal mining, including reforming the mining licensing regime, strengthening enforcement mechanisms and reclaiming and restoring degraded lands.
Other measures include providing alternative livelihoods for affected communities, and deepening engagement with both local and international stakeholders.
The Deputy Minister, however, cautioned that, illegal mining activities posed a significant threat to the nation’s environment, water bodies, and long-term sustainable development.
He also spotlighted Ghana’s broader environmental agenda, particularly through the Tree for Life initiative, which intended to plant about 30 million tree seedlings, this year.
The project is part of efforts to promote urban greening, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management.
Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, the Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board, echoed the urgency of global cooperation.
He lauded the diplomatic community for their support over the years, and believed that the event was a symbol of renewed commitment to environmental stewardship.
Mr Maher Kheir, the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, who represented the Diplomatic Corps, reaffirmed the diplomatic community’s vision that aligned with Ghana’s green development agenda.
The Tree for Life Initiative, which was launched in March this year, designated the entire month of June as Green Month—a period of nationwide mobilisation involving schools, civil society, private entities, and international partners.
The Deputy Minister, however, cautioned that, illegal mining activities posed a significant threat to the nation’s environment, water bodies, and long-term sustainable development.
He also spotlighted Ghana’s broader environmental agenda, particularly through the Tree for Life initiative, which intended to plant about 30 million tree seedlings, this year.
The project is part of efforts to promote urban greening, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management.
Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, the Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board, echoed the urgency of global cooperation.
He lauded the diplomatic community for their support over the years, and believed that the event was a symbol of renewed commitment to environmental stewardship.
Mr Maher Kheir, the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, who represented the Diplomatic Corps, reaffirmed the diplomatic community’s vision that aligned with Ghana’s green development agenda.
The Tree for Life Initiative, which was launched in March this year, designated the entire month of June as Green Month—a period of nationwide mobilisation involving schools, civil society, private entities, and international partners.
Source: myghanadaily
