The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Mr. Egbert Faibille has called for research into the sociology of small-scale mining to curb activities of illegal mining popularly referred to as Galamsey.
He has, therefore challenged Lecturers of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), to come up with lead research in policy leadership and framework in the fight against Galamsey and the protection of water bodies which he is certain will receive full government support. Mr. Faibille was speaking at a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of the UESD, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson and his team.
The meeting which was held in the conference room of the Commission was the second to be held between the two institutions that aimed to strike a partnership between them in areas of mutual interest. The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, the Dean of the School of Sustainable Development, Prof. Anthony Amoah and the Heads of the Community Engagement and Project Innovations Unit (CEPIU) and the University Relations and Marketing Unit.
The meeting reviewed issues discussed in the previous meeting which included; funding for research and collaboration, the opportunity for UESD students to undertake internship and or attachment at the Commission, Knowledge Transfer, Equipment Support, Data Sharing, Funding for Research and Collaboration, and possible Lecturing Opportunities.
Mr. Faibille bemoaned the rampant pollution of Ghana’s water bodies as a result of illegal mining. He indicated that land pollution and degradation go a long way to distract marine and aqua-culture life and research into the effect of pollution on the water bodies will help educate inhabitants of the communities on the need to refrain from using toxins in mining areas and also how to revamp the land into its natural state.
In his contribution to what the UESD as an institution is doing in the fight against illegal mining, the Dean of SSD, Prof. Anthony Amoah indicated that, not long ago, some lecturers of the University presented a petition to Parliament explaining that, in order to stop Galamsey in Ghana, water resource should be separated from mining resource.
The Petroleum Commission CEO assured the UESD of its commitment to share knowledge and expertise with UESD towards the development of both institutions. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko Sampson made his submission on the issues at stake and expressed gratitude to Mr. Faibille for making time for him and his team. He said, the UESD remains focused on sticking to its mandate.