Chiefs of Lower Denkyira have expressed deep shock and opposition to a mining company’s intention to mine in the revered Kakum National Park.
In a statement, the chiefs opined that the release of the forest to government in the 1990s was purposed for a reserve and never an ounce of mining intent.
To this end, the chiefs have emphatically stated that “Nananom and the people of Denkyira will never accede to that change in the purpose for which the government originally acquired the Kakum Forest from Nananom.”
“Our people deserve better. We are determined to protect our forests, our heritage,” the statement continued.
Background
Numerous Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana strongly opposed the High Street Ghana Limited’s attempt to initiate mining operations in the Kakum Forest.
The application they emphasized is among 14 proposals submitted to the Minerals Commission for authorization to conduct mining activities in the nation’s forest reserves.
At a stakeholder meeting, the Director of the Nature and Development Foundation, Mustapha Seidu suggested the rescinding of the L.I. 2462 to avoid any potential damages to Ghana’s forest reserves.
“Considering the extent of legal deforestation already occurring less than a year after LI 2462 was implemented, we can only imagine the extent of forest destruction over the next five years or even a decade,” he emphasized.
Minerals Commission Response
But the Minerals Commission in a statement issued by its Chief Executive Officer, Martin Kwaku Ayisi indicated that it rejected the application by the High Street Limited for a license to mine in the Kakum National Park.
Stating further, the commission said it has deleted the application from the online mining cadastre with the added assurance that “no mining right whether for prospecting or mining shall be considered or granted in the Kakum National Park.”
Denkyira Development Association
Meanwhile, the Denkyira Development Association (DDA) is calling for a review of the Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 which formed the basis of the application.
The Association say Parliament must conduct a thorough review of the Ll 2462 to ensure that it aligns with the principles of sustainable development and provides adequate protection for the country’s natural resources.
LI 2462, the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019, passed by the Parliament of Ghana to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) aims to address the challenges and concerns related to the mining sector in Ghana, such as environmental degradation, inadequate benefits for local communities, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry.
DDA believes the Forest Reserve is a biological treasure that demands utmost protection as it also plays a crucial role in supporting Ghana’s Tourism Industry.
They are therefore calling on all stakeholders to engage in productive dialogue to find equitable solutions that balance the needs of development needs with environmental Preservation.
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