The National Peace Council’s Western North Regional branch has voiced serious concerns regarding the escalating illegal logging and mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey,” within the region’s forest reserves. These illicit operations, particularly concentrated around Agyimadiem in the Juaboso district and Enchi in the Aowin municipality, pose a multifaceted threat to the region’s environment, security, and overall stability. Recent clashes in these areas serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action to mitigate the escalating tensions and potential for widespread conflict. The Peace Council emphasizes that the lawlessness inherent in these illegal activities fuels insecurity, disrupts local livelihoods, and undermines the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and order in the Western North Region.
The Peace Council’s statement, issued by Regional Chairperson Most Reverend Samuel Nkuah Boateng, highlights the gravity of the situation. The reports of violent confrontations between illegal operators, community members, and security agencies underscore the potential for these localized conflicts to escalate into larger-scale disturbances if left unchecked. The statement specifically notes that illegal logging and mining operations contribute to regional instability by fostering an environment of lawlessness, disrupting the economic activities of law-abiding citizens, and eroding the social fabric that supports peaceful co-existence within communities. The Council argues that these activities not only damage the environment but also create a breeding ground for conflict, thereby jeopardizing the region’s overall security.
The detrimental environmental impact of these illegal activities is a primary concern. Illegal logging leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. It disrupts the delicate ecological balance of the forest reserves, contributing to soil erosion, water pollution, and climate change. Galamsey, with its use of harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide, further contaminates water bodies, impacting both human health and aquatic life. The destruction of farmlands and water sources essential for local livelihoods exacerbates the socio-economic challenges faced by communities in the affected areas. The long-term consequences of these environmental damages pose a significant threat to the sustainable development of the region.
The Peace Council’s statement calls for immediate and decisive government intervention to address the “two evils” of illegal logging and mining. They urge the government to strengthen security measures, empower local law enforcement agencies, and implement stricter penalties for those involved in these illegal activities, including their sponsors. The Council advocates for enhanced enforcement of existing environmental and mining regulations to effectively curb these operations. They believe that a robust and coordinated approach involving strengthened law enforcement, stricter penalties, and community involvement is crucial to combatting these illegal activities and restoring order in affected areas. Furthermore, they stress the importance of holding accountable not only the individuals directly involved in illegal logging and mining but also those who finance and support these operations.
Beyond government action, the Peace Council calls for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to address this pressing security and environmental challenge. They urge traditional authorities, security agencies, civil society organizations, politicians, and community members to work together in support of the government’s efforts. The Council emphasizes the importance of community involvement in monitoring and reporting illegal activities, advocating for stricter enforcement of regulations, and promoting sustainable alternative livelihoods. They believe that a united front, comprising all segments of society, is essential to effectively combatting illegal logging and mining and building lasting peace in the region. This collaborative approach would involve sharing information, coordinating actions, and leveraging the respective strengths of each stakeholder group.
The Peace Council’s call for unity and togetherness underscores the need for a collective response to safeguard the environment, protect communities, and ensure lasting peace in the Western North Region. They emphasize that preserving the region’s natural resources, securing the livelihoods of its people, and fostering a peaceful environment are shared responsibilities that require concerted action. The Council’s statement serves as a plea for collective action, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the long-term well-being of the region over short-term gains. By working together, they believe the region can effectively combat the threats posed by illegal logging and mining, secure its natural resources, and build a more peaceful and sustainable future. They reaffirm their commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region and call on all stakeholders to join them in this critical endeavor.
