WACAM wants permits to mine in forest reserves withdrawn
Government should as a matter of urgency withdraw permits it has granted multinational mining companies to mine in forest reserves because they protect watersheds of major rivers in the country.
The appeal was in a statement issued by WACAM, a human rights, environmental and mining advocacy, non-governmental organisation, Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis, GEMA and HFF to mark the world water day.
The statement said the decision of government to open up forest reserves for mining operations meant the sanctioning of the destruction of watersheds and ‘killing’ of rivers and other water bodies.
It cited the granting of a mining lease to Newmont Gold Ghana Limited Akyem (NGGL) Mine to undertake surface mining in the Ajenua-Bepo forest reserve, which is the watershed for rivers Yaayaa, Adenkyensu, Alotosu, Afosu, Aprapon and Owonta.
The statement said the withdrawal of the environmental permit granted to NGGL to mine in the forest reserve, would demonstrate its commitment to the protection of the country’s water resources.
It reminded government that in the 2007 national water policy, it committed itself to ensure access to clean drinking water because it said it was a fundamental human right.
The statement said the ‘issues of water quality and water availability are very crucial for sustainable development as well as meeting all the Millennium Development Goals.
It called on government as well as Parliament, to as a matter of urgency, pass into law the Polluter Pay Principle, and give legal backing to all the water quality guideline values being used in the country.
The statement said: “Government by doing this would give meaning to the legislation on polluter pay principle; deter people from polluting water bodies and reduce the cost of treating polluted water for urban water supply.
“We wish to reiterate the need for all stakeholders, particularly the government; civil society; media; academia/research institutions and the country’s development partners to commit themselves to the imperative of water quality and availability for all citizens of Ghana especially the urban poor by 2015”.
Source: GNA