Mahama warns against sacrificing rivers and forests for mineral wealth
President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger environmental and social protections in Ghana’s mining industry, stressing that the exploitation of mineral resources must not come at the expense of communities, workers and the environment.
Addressing the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, the President emphasised the need for responsible mining practices that balance economic development with the protection of natural resources and the welfare of people living in mining areas.
He said Ghana’s rivers, forests and farmlands were valuable national assets that must be preserved rather than destroyed in the pursuit of mineral wealth.
He also called for mining communities to receive a fair share of the benefits generated from mineral extraction, while urging mining companies to prioritise workers’ safety and ensure that lands affected by mining activities are properly reclaimed and rehabilitated.
“Mineral development must safeguard the lives of our people, their livelihoods, and their environments. Our rivers, forests, and farmlands are part of our wealth. Communities must share fairly in the benefits, and workers must be protected, and mined lands must be reclaimed and rehabilitated,” President Mahama said.
He further underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of mineral revenues, insisting that proceeds from the sector must translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
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