By Alex Baah Boadi
Bibiani (WN/R), Nov. 09, GNA – The Nature and Development Foundation (NDF), a non-government organisation, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has held a training workshop on Effective Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in mineral governance for selected women in mining communities from the Ahafo and Western North Regions.
The training was jointly implemented under two projects: “Advancing Good Forest and Mineral Governance to Reduce the Contribution of Timber Trade and Mining to Deforestation in Ghana, Liberia and Cameroon” and “Building Resilient and Active Communities in Extractive Landscapes in Ghana (BRACE).”
The first project is funded by the UK Government through the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC) Programme, while the latter is funded by the European Union.
The workshop was aimed at equipping participants with knowledge on mining-related decision-making processes, community rights and responsibilities, and engagement with mining companies and regulatory institutions.
It also provided a platform for discussing how women’s groups could play a stronger role in promoting responsible mining practices and safeguarding community interests.
Speaking to the media after the engagement, Ms Margaret Appiah, Senior Project Manager of NDF, said women depended heavily on natural resources such as water for household chores and agricultural produce to feed their families.
According to her, when such resources were destroyed through illegal mining activities, women and their families were the most affected, hence the need to empower them with the knowledge and confidence to actively participate in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
She called on all, especially women, to take the fight against illegal mining seriously to prevent the destruction of the country’s future through such activities.
Some of the participants, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, expressed gratitude to NDF for the training, saying the knowledge gained would enable them to educate others on the dangers of illegal mining.
They mentioned loss of lives, teenage pregnancy and other social vices as some of the effects of illegal mining in their areas.
They pledged to use the knowledge acquired to support the fight against illegal mining and protect the environment in their respective communities.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter; Alex Baah Boadi
Email address:[email protected]