Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called on academia to spearhead the conversation on addressing illegal mining activities in Ghana and their far-reaching impact on society.
Speaking in Accra after being honoured with an honorary doctorate degree by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, GIMPA, President Kufuor stressed the need for academic leadership in crafting effective measures to tackle the menace of galamsey.
To him, illegal mining and the proper use of natural resources must be addressed with critical analysis and urgency to achieve long-term solutions.
According to him, it is time for the academic community to find sustainable solutions to illegal mining and its effects on our communities and environment.
“I therefore urge thought leaders such as the academia, especially institutions like GIMPA, to take up the mantle and lead conversations that bring practical solutions to these pressing national challenges for the immediate and long-term,” he continued.
The former President of Ghana expressed concern regarding misinformation about his stance on the arrest of democracy hub protesters.
In an interview, he stressed his thoughts about the importance of responsible management of our natural resources, emphasizing that these resources should be truly owned and protected by the people.
However, he said his thoughts were sensationalized and misrepresented on social media.
Clarifying his position, he called for balanced and fair reactions from authorities to guide the youth.
He said “We all need to understand the issues. What brings about this crisis? It is not only government’s mismanagement. There are also external pressures that is put on our country as a whole.”
The Former President received the honorary doctorate degree alongside the Omanhene of Asante Asokore, Nana Susubiribi Krobea Asante.
The awards were to celebrate their remarkable contributions to Ghana’s development.
Read also: Galamsey: Health, Food Security at Risk – GAND Warns
Source: Anthony Sasu Ayisadu/ATLMFNEWS
