A convening of Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) working in the areas of environment and natural resources has ended in Accra with a clarion call on government to find a balance between resource extraction and protecting the environment for future generations.
The meeting, held on the theme, “Environment, Natural Resource and Energy Transition, “was purposed to take stock and engage in a critical dialogue on how stakeholders can ensure that natural resource wealth of the country is managed transparently for the benefit of all Ghanaians .
It was also to explore the complexities of energy transition and the role CSOs can play in making sure that all voices, including those of marginalized communities are heard, considered and included in shaping Ghana’s energy future, leaving no one behind.
The convening was put together by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) with support from Publish What You Pay (PWYP). It was attended by CSOs from various parts of the country, Community members, representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ministry of Finance, National Development Planning Commission and the Media.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of ISODEC, Mr Sam Danse bemoaned the lack of transparency, environmental degradation, inequality and the insufficient distribution of resources for the benefit of the citizenry.
Mr Danse underlined several critical issues facing Ghana’s extractive industry and its broader implications for the country’s economy and society. He noted that the discovery of lithium, in particular, represents a significant opportunity for the nation to play a pivotal role in the global shift toward renewable energy.
He stated that Ghana’s status as a silicon leader in the exchange trade industry, ranging from gold to bauxite, diamond, and others, has contributed immensely to the national economy. However, the benefits of these natural resources have not been equitably distributed among Ghanaians, creating a growing divide between the wealthy elite and the general population.
“Despite these resources, the reality is that our extractive industry, in many ways, has been more of a curse than a blessing to the communities and the citizens. Decades of mineral extraction have left scars on our environment and gaps in our development, highlighting an urgent need for better governance and management of the sector,” he added.
He noted that, addressing the issues of transparency, environmental degradation, inequality and resource distribution would require a comprehensive approach that includes stronger governance, community engagement, environmental protection, and equitable distribution of resources.
He maintained that by focusing on these areas, Ghana can ensure that its natural resource wealth benefits all its citizens, now and in the future.
Mr Danse added that the convention was to provide a much-needed platform for deepening collaboration and developing strategies for managing Ghana’s natural resources wealth more effectively.
Mr Ben Ayee, a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission who represented the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources at the event lauded ISODEC and PWYP for organizing such important workshop particularly at a time when issues of illegal mining(Galamsey) has become very topical.
Participants having a Panel discussion
Mr Aryee said such workshops presents a vital opportunity for stakeholders to come together and create solutions that will lead to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the country.
On his part, Acting Coordinator of PWYP-Ghana, Mr Bernard Anaba, acknowledged the significant role the PWYP movement has played in ensuring there is transparency in the natural resource sector in Ghana.
According to Mr Anaba, the PWYP movement in Ghana did well in the past, ensuring that its consistent advocacy culminated into the emergence of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee(PIAC),Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) and the Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Register.
He said though a lot has been done through the works of PWYP and other initiatives to enhance the transparency and accountability regime in the extractive sector, Civil society needs to do more to make government more responsive to citizens, adding that “ we need to do more to get more disclosure from the mining sector”
He informed the gathering that PWYP has developed new strategic priorities that focus on Just Energy Transition, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development among other relevant issues.
A Participant making a submission
Participants underscored the importance of an inclusive approach to the issue of energy transition, insisting that decisions should not be left solely to the elites, but must involve the communities most affected. They noted that broad-based consultation is key to ensuring that the needs and voices of all citizens, particularly marginalized groups, are considered.
By: Mohammed Suleman/Publicagenda.news
