Mine workers demand firm action to end destruction to environment

The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) has called for firm measures to stop the devastation to the environment through illegal mining operations.

Mr. Prince William Ankrah, General Secretary of the Union, said the pollution of water sources and destruction of farms could not be allowed to continue.

He said, the regulatory bodies, particularly the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should do more to ensure that safety standards were maintained.

He was speaking at the opening of a two-day national executive council meeting of the union at Ejisu, in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality on Wednesday.

More than 100 delegates had gathered to discuss ways of strengthening the activities of the GMWU.

Mr. Ankrah underlined the need for comprehensive and well thought out national framework to guide the future of the extractive industry.

“Ghana must learn from bad experiences of some natural-resources-blessed countries such as Peru, Nigeria and others to ensure that future generations benefit from the sector,” he added.

He said everything should be done to make sure that mining receipts benefit the country.

He expressed joy at the increase of corporate tax from 25 per cent to 35 per cent, a development, which last year, helped to bring in a total of GH¢170 million to the state.

Mr. Ankrah complained about the poor state of roads leading to mining communities and called on the Government to address the situation.**