The Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwaa, is speaking out against Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which allows mining activities in forest reserves in Ghana. Serwaa is urging for the immediate withdrawal of this legislation, citing the severe environmental damage caused by mining operations in these protected areas.
In a recent statement, Serwaa emphasized the irreversible harm caused by mining in forest reserves, outweighing any potential economic benefits. She specifically pointed to the Draw River Forest Reserve in the Nzema East District of the Western Region, where reports have surfaced of an unidentified miner encroaching on the protected area.
According to Serwaa, the clearing of part of the Draw River Forest Reserve and the presence of excavators indicate the onset of illegal mining activities that could lead to significant forest degradation. She condemned the issuance of permits for mining in areas of high biodiversity, questioning the logic behind such decisions.
Furthermore, Serwaa expressed disappointment in political parties for not addressing this issue in their manifestos ahead of the upcoming December general elections. She called on all political parties to commit to repealing L.I. 2462, which she believes contributes to environmental degradation in Ghana’s forest reserves.
The call to action from Awula Serwaa highlights the urgent need to protect Ghana’s natural resources and biodiversity from the detrimental effects of mining activities in forest reserves. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices and conservation efforts to preserve the country’s ecological heritage for future generations.
