By Edzorna Francis Mensah
The President of Ghana Institute of Geoscientists Crisler Akwei Ankrah has called for sustainable and responsible mining in Ghana to avert further pollution of water bodies and protect the environment which is significant for human survival.
He said the alarming increase in which the water bodies are been polluted due to unethical mining practices is an issue that cannot be overlooked as a nation.
Mr. Akwei Ankrah mentioned that, the current phenomenon where a lot of water bodies in many mining communities as reported in the media has posed a direct threat to human health, the environment, and the overall well-being of the country.
In his welcome address at the ongoing fourth biennial national conference,(GhIGCON-2024) at Sunyani in the Bono Region under the theme: “Strategic Natural Resources Exploration and Exploitation: Guarantee for Sustainable Development,” Crisler Akwei Ankrah emphasis the need to adopt significant measures and seek holistic solutions to counter this escalating crisis, – “transitioning illegal mining from its current unregulated state into a formal and responsible enterprise is imperative”.
Mr. Akwei Ankrah stressed the fact that, sustainable practices must be seen not merely as options, but as necessities to preserve the natural environment while fostering economic growth and livelihoods.
The four-day conference is expected to discuss not only the status and future of the invaluable mineral resources but also to ensure that their exploration and exploitation effectively contribute to the national sustainable development goals.
He again said Ghana has reached a critical juncture, “the need for equitable and judicious use of our natural resources has never been more pressing than today. However, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard the rights of future generations, ensuring they possess the same opportunities to define their own destinies as we do today”.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources and the chairman of the conference, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako on his part has submitted that. Ghanaians stand on the brink of a critical juncture in their collective journey towards sustainable development relative to “the resources that our planet provides are not infinite, and it is imperative that we come together to discuss, collaborate, and innovate in order to ensure a balanced and prosperous future for generations to come”.
Prof, charged the participants to embrace the opportunity to learn from one another, to challenge assumptions, and to envision bold new solutions that will shape the course of the planet’s future, particularly in Ghana.
He reminded the gathering that they have no other place than this country called Ghana as he hopes that the conference will be a beacon of inspiration, a crucible of ideas, and a catalyst for positive change. “Let us embark on this journey towards sustainable development with courage, determination, and a shared commitment to creating a better world for all. Again, let this conference, hosted by UENR ignite the fire that will sweep through the School of Geoscience, particularly the Geological Science Department to propagate Geoscience Education across Ghana”.
The Biennial Conference of the Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG) serves as a platform for bringing together members of the geoscience community in Ghana and other African Countries to exchange and share experiences and research outcomes across various geoscience disciplines. With a specific focus on the Ghanaian context. The conference provides an invaluable opportunity for experts, professionals, academic researchers, and students to share knowledge, explore innovative ideas, and enhance their professional skills within the field of geoscience. Furthermore, it fosters networking opportunities, paving the way for collaborative research projects between industry and academia.
This year’s conference also features a notable business meeting focusing on the implementation of the African Mineral and Energy Resources Classification and Management System (AMREC) and the Pan African Resource Code (PARC).
These pioneering frameworks are designed to align Africa’s resource management practices with global standards. Key representatives from the African Union Development Team and stakeholders from the mining and environmental sectors will be present. These initiatives are crucial for transforming Ghana into a hub of certified professional members of the Ghana Institute of Geoscientists, qualified to represent competent persons for various resource reporting standards. This certification will not only enhance the credibility and professionalism of our members but also bolster our country’s standing in the global mineral resource sector.
