UN in Ghana calls for peaceful protests, collective action against galamsey

By Newscenta On Oct 7, 2024

United Nations Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Mr Charles Abani, has highlighted the urgent need for responsible mining and sustainable development practices.
In a statement issued in Accra, he called on all stakeholders—government bodies, political parties, civil society, religious leaders, and the private sector—to collaborate in addressing the challenges posed by galamsey.
Mr Abani stressed that galamsey not only devastates the environment but also exacerbates poverty, damages livelihoods, pollutes water resources, and has detrimental effects on public health.
Moreover, it fuels illicit financial flows and undermines peace and stability within affected communities.
He emphasized that illegal mining poses long-term risks to both human welfare and environmental sustainability.

Peaceful protests and responsible action
As protests against galamsey continue to gain momentum, Mr Abani urged demonstrators to maintain peace and act responsibly.
He also called on the police to uphold professionalism while protecting law and order, ensuring that human and civil rights are respected.
His statement was aimed at encouraging peaceful and lawful demonstrations in the wake of ongoing strikes and protests by various groups across the country.
UN Support for Sustainable Development
The UN Resident Coordinator reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting initiatives aligned with its #PactfortheFuture framework, which focuses on sustainability, climate action, environmental protection, and pollution control. Abani noted that these efforts are crucial in securing a peaceful and sustainable future for current and future generations.
Mr Abani’s message concluded with a call for unity, encouraging all sectors of Ghanaian society to join forces in overcoming the challenges posed by illegal mining.
The emphasis on collaboration and collective ambition echoes the need for both national and international efforts to tackle the environmental and social consequences of galamsey.