The Coalition for Cocoa sector Reforms (CCSR) an advocacy group for the vulnerable cocoa farmer and industry, is calling on the government to place a ban on mining activities in cocoa growing areas in the country.
According to the group due to the deteriorating living conditions of cocoa farmers caused by the factors enumerated above, farmers under compelling circumstances sell out their cocoa farms to illegal small scale mining (galamsey) operators.
The illegal miners are buying and destroying cultivated lands, forest, living quarters and water bodies, the group added.
It is predictable that should this trend continue, galamsey activities may throw farmers away from their homes few years to come.
The forestry commission, minerals commission, our chiefs are all expressing innocence in face of the menace.
“We hereby recommend that the government takes the following policy decision seriously. Government must issue one year moratorium for the cessation of all mining activities being it large scale, small scale mining and illegal mining activities in Ghana as a show of seriousness for the fight against galamsey.
“The minerals commission must carry out an assessment of permits and concession lands of license holder for publication. All degraded lands and withdraw licenses of entities falling foul to standard mining practice.
“Prosecute and fine all companies who carried out their activities without reclamation and without requisite permit.
“Educate and empower Chiefs, District Assemblies and Community Members to monitor and safeguard the re-entry of the illegal activities in their areas of jurisdictions.”
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com
