Accra, Oct. 10, GNA- The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has expressed concern about the incessant pollution of Ghana’s water bodies and land due to uncontrolled exploitation of its natural resources.

According to the Institute, the alarming increase rate of illegal mining (galamsey) activities across the country had caused massive destruction to the forests and woodlands which had contributed to land degradation, climate change and floods.

A statement issued on Wednesday and copied the Ghana News Agency, the IDEG’s Senior Research Fellow, Mr. Kwesi Jonah, it noted that environmental pollution had assumed a position of national concern.

It said apart from the destruction caused to the environment, it had also imposed a greater risk to the miner’s life.

The statement said during the last decade, Ghana had attracted impressive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), especially in the mining, road construction and the oil and gas sectors, resulting in Ghana’s high economic growth in recent years.

It however explained that despite the economic growth, achieving the Millennial Development Goals which had become national goals would not be possible if the problems were allowed to persist.

The statement called on political leaders to show more commitment to addressing challenges of environmental pollution and degradation.

They should also avoid the politicisation of development policies or issues that tend to compromise the urgent need to improve the livelihood of the people and guarantee them adequate social security.

Under the prevailing environmental challenges, the IDEG was going to provide a platform for eminent persons to speak on the topic: “Environment, sustainable development and peace”, as part of its strategic action to continue the crusade against challenges to safeguard the peace and development of Ghana, the statement said.

GNA