The fight against illegal mining in Ghana is not just about preserving the country’s natural resources – it is also about fulfilling the ideals of Agenda 2063. This is according to the Pro Vice-chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Elllis Owusu-Dabo.
During a webinar themed “Gold or health? Ghana’s environment under siege”, Prof. Owusu-Dabo highlighted the negative impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s contribution to the ideals of Agenda 2063.
He emphasized that “In all the 20 goals of agenda 2063, every one of them hinges on ensuring that we preserve our environment,” underscoring the importance of environmental preservation in achieving these goals.
The webinar, part of the Health in Africa Series, is a collaboration between the University of Toronto, Canada, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
As a public health physician and Principal Investigator of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative, Prof. Owusu-Dabo expressed concern that the fight against illegal mining is crucial in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
He urged for national multi-stakeholder dialogue to address the situation, stating that “Academia, mother, child, opinion leaders, chiefs politician, we have to rise up and fight.”
He also recommended the creation of entrepreneurial opportunities and academia-government engagement to gradually reduce activities of illegal miners.
It is clear from Prof. Owusu-Dabo’s statements that the fight against illegal mining is not just a battle for the present, but it is an essential part of securing the future for the next generation. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and preserve the land for the prosperity of Ghana and its people.
