Investigate illegal mining activities – Alhaji Yussif

The Country Director for Africa Institute for Small Scale Mining, Alhaji Abdul– Salam Yussif II, has called on the government to suspend illegal mining that is fast destroying water bodies, and the environment in general.

He said Ghana was on the brink of environmental catastrophe due to the unregulated mining popu­larly known as galamsey which is needed to be addressed immedi­ately to avoid further harm to the health, well-being, and future of its citizens.

Speaking to journalists after receiving an award at the Africa Peace Advocate Awards 2024 in Accra, Alhaji Yussif stressed that the government must suspend illegal mining, and then follow it up by investigating to fish out those found responsible for the damage to the environment to be punished.

The award was organied to honour over 50 men and women who have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavours, and contribute to the promotion of peace in Africa.

It was organised by the Interna­tional Association of World Peace Advocates that is dedicated to pro­moting peace, appointing peace­makers, advocates and ambassadors across the United Nation member countries.

The country director said with­out peace, no business could go on in the country so everyone must promote peace, especially during the 2024 elections.

Alhaji Yussif further noted that Gold Catcher was very good for mining, stressing that the country must encourage the use of gold catcher to promote responsible mining, saying that, “our water bodies that are being destroyed is a threat to our lives, and so illegal mining that is the cause should be stopped.”

“The deliberate damage to our water bodies is a threat to democ­racy so we have to put a stop to it in order to treat our water bodies to protect our fishes and other aqua lives,” he added.

Alhaji Yussif also urged all po­litical parties to make a public dec­laration and publish a duly- signed document on their commitment to fight illegal and unethical mining activities in Ghana.

Touching on his award, Alhaji Yussif said, “This is not just a per­sonal achievement, but a recogni­tion of the collective efforts of all those working towards peace and progress in Africa.”

 BY TIMES REPORTER