By: Edzorna Francis Mensah
The Bono Regional Minister, Justine Owusu-Banahene has disclosed that , the current water pollution and the environmental degradation as result of unethical mining in some part of the country is a source of worry to the President of the Republic.
She said, the President is disturbed and worried about the development but he is doing everything possible in consultation with appropriate stakeholders to reverse the trend in no time, “unfortunately, the mismanagement of our resources has become a pain in the neck of our President, Nana Addo Darkwa Akuffo Addo”.
As such, the Minister who opened the four-day fourth biennial national conference by Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIGCON-2024) underway in Sunyani, the Bono Regional Capital tasked the conference participants to discuss and explore the most effective ways to harness the natural resources, gold particularly, for economic growth while protecting the water bodies and environment for unborn generations.
The Minister notes that, her area of jurisdiction is fortunate to be a key player in Ghana’s natural resource development in the Bono Region and this region is rich in minerals, forests, and water bodies, which have driven their local economy and contributed to national development, and “the promotion of innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance resource extraction while minimizing harm to our ecosystems.”
“This conference offers an opportunity to address several core issues, including the need for strategic exploration and exploitation of natural resources that consider environmental and social impacts”, she mentioned.
And it is essential that “we align our exploration and exploitation activities with sustainable practices that guarantee long-term benefits” in collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure that resource management strategies are inclusive, transparent, and beneficial to all stakeholders.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Augustine Boachie acknowledged the gathering represents not just an opportunity to exchange knowledge and insights, but also a moment to reflect on the pivotal role geosciences play in shaping the future of sustainable development across the globe.
He said the theme for this year, “Strategic Natural Resources Exploration & Exploitation: A Guarantee for Sustainable Development,” could not be timelier. As the world continues to grapple with challenges of climate change, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, the responsible exploration and exploitation of natural resources have become critical topics.
He mentioned that, “the geoscientific community stands at the forefront of these efforts, and our work ensures that these resources are harnessed in a way that promotes not only economic prosperity but also environmental stewardship and social equity”.
To him, Ghana, like many nations, is rich in natural resources—from minerals and fossil fuels to water and renewable energies but “the key to leveraging these resources lies in a strategic approach that balances immediate economic benefits with long-term sustainability. The insights we gain through this conference will help us sharpen our strategies, foster collaboration, and develop innovative solutions that contribute to the well-being of both current and future generations”.
The conference brought together over 200 professionals and students drawn other from countries like, South Africa, Mali, Nigeria and co.
