CSOs in Agriculture demand Dismissal of Abu Jinapor Over galamsey crisis

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries has called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, along with his deputies.

This demand comes in response to the worsening effects of illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, which continue to devastate the environment and livelihoods across the country.

The CSOs argue that the Ministry’s leadership has failed to effectively address the crisis and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.

The coalition in a statement released on Thursday by the Chamber of Agribusiness noted that “we the coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, representing key industry bodies and stakeholders, urgently calls upon Ghana’s president, the executive and parliament to address the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) wreaking havoc on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.”

“The coalition demands immediate and decisive actions to combat galamsey:

1) Cease all galamsey operations immediately.

2) Immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies.

3) Restore degraded lands and prosecute perpetrators.

4) Implement sustainable mining practices and support affected communities and industries.

5) Set up a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee comprising respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders.”

“6) Deployment of military and police personnel to affected areas.

7) Urgent implementation of measures to halt galamsey operations and conduct environmental assessments.

8) Provision of alternative livelihoods, development of a National Mining Policy, and setup of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund.

9) Promotion of agroforestry and reforestation efforts.”

citinewsroom