All forest reserves will be lost by 2030 if illegal mining activities continue - GAAS

The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) has called on the government to stop issuing permits and licenses for mining in forest reserves and also ban mining activities in water bodies.

In a statement issued by the Academy on Thursday, September 26, 2024, it expressed worry over the negative impact of illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, on the environment and urged the government to take immediate actions to salvage the situation.

"The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) remains deeply concerned about the negative impact of illegal mining on forest reserves and water bodies. The Academy urges the Executive and Parliament to take immediate steps to revoke L.I. 2462 to prevent further environmental destruction," it stated.

The Academy further noted that if no drastic measures are taken to stop the menace, all forest reserves will be depleted by 2030, stressing the need for consultations with scientific experts and stakeholders to help protect the environment from threats of illegal mining activities.

"If no action is taken, all forest reserves could be lost by 2030.The Executive and Parliament must consult widely with scientific experts and stakeholders when enacting legislation that affects the environment. They should use their powers under the constitution to protect the country from environmental threats.

"The Executive should stop issuing permits and licenses for mining in forest reserves, companies currently holding permits should be relocated to new areas outside forest reserves, with support to restart operations in these new locations. Those engaged in illegal mining or violating their licenses must be evicted immediately" it added.

b>Read the statement below:



JKB/AE