WACAM Schooled Journalists On Mining Ib Tamale
WACAM, a non-governmental organization and advocacy base NGO as part of its advocacy role has embarked on a capacity buildup training for Journalists within the Northern region.
The training which took place on Tuesday, September 12, was aimed at equipping Journalists within the Northern region knowledge on the negative effects of mining and its related activities in the country to enable them fight for the right of indigenous landowners and the interest of Communities in mining areas.
The one-day workshop was also organized to enlighten Journalists who save as the mouthpiece of the people on the laws and regulations governing the activities of mining in Ghana.
The participants were taught on the history of mining in Ghana, the perception created by the white on the intelligence and knowledge of the indigenous black African, the effects and destructive nature of mining activities and the price payable by the country as a result of mining.
The facilitators which were comprised of Lawyers, geometric scientists, Doctors, among others also took participants through both Local and International laws governing the activities of mining in Ghana.
The participants were thought on the protocols, regulations, conventions, and guidelines on the Free Prior and Information Consent (FPIC) in Ghana.
In her presentation, Associate Executive Director of WACAM, Mrs. Hannah Owusu-Koranteng said Ghana started mining since Before Christ (BC)
According to her, by the 14th century, Ghana' production of the world gold stood at 35%.
She said until the arrival of the Europeans who the indigenous Ghanaian leaders took charge of the administration and management of the mining affairs well.
She lamented, the colonial Masters, in order to get hold of the national resources, deceived the indigenous people leading to enacting of laws that were not beneficial to the people.
"The second jungle boom was associated with the colonial government banning private local gold miners and indigenous mining after 1933 from operating. This was also marked by the beginning of large-scale mining by British and other foreign investors" she said
"To consolidate the takeover and ensure a continuous flow of the mineral resources, the colonial Masters formulated laws to gain control over minerals in Gold Coast" she stated.
She debunked claims that, WACAM was fighting against mining in the country.
According to her, WACAM was not against mining, but rather, the NGO is calling for responsible and accepted methods of mining that will benefit the indigenous landowners and also satisfy community interest.
She explained that Ghana suffers from the effects of mining than it benefits from the act.
And advised all Ghanaians to stand up against negative mining activities in the country.
Citing the Iron Ore mining activities at Sheini in the Tatale- Sanguli district of the Northern region, Mrs. Koranteng said, the health effects caused by the Iron Ore extraction activities on the people around the site was devastating.
According to her, water, farmlands, commercial plants, roads and natural lands are mostly affected whenever mining activities start in a community, this she said, brings untold stories to the people.