Some youth in Ghana are adding to calls for President John Mahama to declare a State of Emergency on illegal mining operations in Ghana.
Their call adds to the various recommendation from Civil Society Organisations, religious bodies, journalists and other individuals to have the Mahama-led administration to live up to its promise of finding a lasting solution to the menace.
During the second edition of the Parliamentary Network Africa’s National Youth Mock Parliament held in Accra, youth parliamentarians voiced their displeasure at environmental menace perpetrated by the illegal miners.
They called for the repeal and not amendment of the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 granting licenses for mining in forest covers.
Many water bodies, particularly rivers and streams, forests and other natural resources are at the mercy of the illicit activities, hampering biodiversity.
The young representatives, frustrated by the seemingly unending devastation, admonished a shift from complaints but action and political will to end the environmental canker.
“A comprehensive review of the licensing framework is urgently needed to close regulatory gaps and introduce real-time, accessible monitoring tools for all stakeholders,” they urged.
They continued that: “Financing of Galamsey should be treated as an act of economic sabotage. Those who sponsor, facilitate, or shield these operations regardless of their position or affiliation must face the full force of the law”.
These concerns featured prominently during the National Youth Mock Parliament observed as part of activities marking the World Parliament Day by Parliament House of Ghana.
Observed globally on June 30 every year since its establishment by a United Nations General Assembly resolution in 2018, the day recognizes the role of parliaments in strengthening democracy, governance, and accountability.
The Youth Mock Parliament assembled passionate student parliamentarians from tertiary institutions across the country.
Programs Manager at PNAfrica, Gilbert Borketey Boyefio, advocated for more youth participation and granting voices to the young people in matters of governance.
He wants an establishment of an official youth parliament that would debate on issues of national interests with dedicated days for the youth parliament as observed in other African countries.
Highlighting the existing challenge of youth being political exposed and aligned, Mr. Boyefio believes a new voice that would represent the youth must emerge.
“In the national discourse, we are missing a lot of youth voices. A lot of decisions are being made at the national level but the youth aren’t part of it. But these decisions will be affecting them. We need platform for the youth’s voice,” he said.
The young legislators were grouped into majority and minority caucuses, elected a Speaker to preside over proceedings, and simulated a real-life parliamentary sitting.
In preparation for the simulation, the youth parliamentarians participated in a Capacity Building and Mentorship Programme, featuring insightful sessions with experienced parliamentary actors and governance experts.
Director of Public Engagement at Parliament, Efia Tenge admonished the youth participation to embrace hard work and dedication to foster democracy and national development.
“Something in you must propel you. What you believe in, whatever you think you can do to promote your country do it. With dedication and focus, you can achieve these,” she noted.
She also noted that: A time will come the youth of Ghana will have its own voice to the extent that when we call for something the state will act on it”.
The National Youth Mock Parliament was observed under the auspice of the Parliament of Ghana in collaboration with the National Investment Bank.
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