Restoring integrity of the ecosystem a priority – AGA Senior Manager
Obuasi (Ash), June 4, GNA – Mr. Nixon Asante, Senior Manager for Environment, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, has rallied stakeholders in the environment to work to restore the integrity of the ecosystem.
“It is in our interest to protect what nature has given us because our very survival is dependent on the environment,” he noted.
The Senior Manager said the wanton destruction of habitats, air and water pollution, and other unhealthy environmental practices such as illegal mining had dealt a big blow to the ecology and biodiversity.
He cited a Country Environmental Analysis of the World Bank, which estimated that it costs Ghana about US$6.3 billion annually to deal with environmental degradation.
Mr Asante, addressing the celebration of the World Environment Day, at a ceremony at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, emphasized that there were clear signs and scientific evidence that “the destruction of the ecosystems may put national growth, livelihoods and human health at risk.”
He explained that in the Ghanaian setting, habitat destruction was arguably the leading environmental challenge ensuing from the much controversial irresponsible mining that had gained wide currency.
Bad agricultural practices like excessive use of agro-chemicals, indiscriminate lumbering and urbanization were the other drivers of environmental degradation, he stated.
“Ecosystem Restoration – Growing Trees, Greening Cities”, was the theme for the occasion.
The World Environment Day, established in 1972, is an annual event designed to reinforce positive environmental action to deepen public awareness of the need to protect, preserve and enhance the environment.
As part of the commemoration, the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has organized a radio discussion with various stakeholders and also created multi-stakeholder platforms to raise awareness of the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Mr Elijah Adansi-Bonnah, Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), in a speech read on his behalf, observed that humanity depended on the environment for survival.
Consequently, the onus lies on the people to be supportive of the Government’s policies and initiatives being implemented to restore the integrity of the ecosystem.
Mr Prempeh Adarkwah Yiadom, Obuasi Municipal Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which organized the programme in collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, tasked Ghanaians to rethink their relationship with the environment.
They should take a keen interest in safeguarding the environment for the sake of posterity, he advised.
Nana Amoanimaa Dede II, Queen of Adansi in the Ashanti Region, assured them of traditional authorities support for the protection of the ecosystem.
