Balanced Resource Management Key to Sustainable Development – UESD Pro-Vice-Chancellor
The Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, has called for a balanced approach to managing Ghana’s natural resources to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the 27th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Institute of Foresters, Prof. Debrah highlighted the short-term economic benefits of mining while cautioning against its unsustainable impacts.
“Gold contributes about 35% to our economy, which is significant, but its value cannot outweigh the frogs, trees, and plants we lose in the process. If we eliminate these natural resources, no amount of money can restore them, and the environmental consequences will be devastating,” he stressed.
Prof. Debrah also questioned the longevity of economic prosperity in mining communities, noting the erosion of social structures caused by surface mining.
“Our international reputation is at risk as we appear to prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability,” he added.
To address these concerns, Prof. Debrah emphasized the importance of community engagement, education, and collaboration in developing sustainable mining practices.
“As a nation, we must take deliberate steps to restore degraded lands. Currently, our criticisms of illegal mining far outweigh the solutions we’ve implemented. You cannot regulate what is illegal. We must therefore revise our mining laws to legalize and properly regulate small-scale mining activities.
“Legalizing ‘galamsey’ will enable us to establish effective monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement frameworks to ensure sustainable practices,” Prof. Debrah proposed.
The event, themed “Mining in Forest Reserves in Ghana: New Developments and Way Forward,” brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss actionable solutions for balancing economic development with environmental conservation.
Dr. Abubakar Nantogmah Attah, President of the Ghana Institute of Foresters, underscored the importance of safeguarding forest reserves, which contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings, GDP, job creation, climate regulation, and ecological balance.
“Our forest reserves are invaluable to the nation’s future, and protecting them is non-negotiable,” he stated.
Prof. Benjamin Betey Campion, Dean of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources and Chair of the event, reinforced the critical role of forest reserves. He outlined strategies to address the environmental challenges threatening sustainability.
The AGM served as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and exploring practical measures to secure Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
