Senior Research Scientist at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Dr Gibrilla Abass says government effort in ending the menace of illegal mining and its associated devastation to the environment cannot be sustained if the State doesn't collaborate with Academia and industry players.
According to Dr Abass, the country is likely to miss out on Sustainable Development Goal Six which seeks to ensure the provision of potable drinking water for its citizens in an event that the illegal menace is not curbed.
The lecturer said the state must foster collaboration with social and political scientists among others to find a more sustainable means to curb the menace.
“We need to link up the hardcore sciences with the social and political sciences so that when you're addressing some of these issues we don't have that disconnect.
“Yes when you go for the natural science and you see pollution at an alarming state, the first thing you will do is to raise the red flag that it should be stopped, now when you stop it, what alternative are you giving to the people? Until we begin to think about what alternative we give to the people who depend solely on this as their means of livelihood, then I think we can't get anywhere and I think that is where the focus of our discussion must be."
He also explained that “we can still mine and get the full potential of our natural resources at the same time protect our environment and natural resources.”
Dr Gibrilla was speaking at the first International Sustainable Development Conference organised by the University of Environment and Sustainable Development.
The conference brought together non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, political actors and members from Academia to share ideas on sustainable development within the Sub-Saharan Africa context.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development- Somanya Prof. Eric Nyarko Sampson said the University is poised to follow its mandate to research and profess sustainable solutions to the teething problems of the Country and Sub-Saharan Africa.
'We think that the focus must be on the environment, how do we protect, secure and make the environment sustainable. In sustainability, we are talking about the implications of our actions towards the environment now,” Prof Nyarko Sampson mentioned.
According to Professor Nyarko, the University is working with industry in the formulation of their curricula in order to bridge the gap and produce relevant human resources for development.
Resident Director of Fredrich Ebert-Stiftung Ghana, Johann Ivanov called on African leaders to show political will towards the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Latest Stories
-
Haaland scores as Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest
18 mins -
Villas-Boas elected Porto president
23 mins -
Situation on frontline has worsened, Ukraine army chief says
30 mins -
US doctor describes witnessing starvation in northern Gaza
35 mins -
CAFCC: RS Berkane make final after USM Alger refused to play 2nd leg over Moroccans’ jersey
37 mins -
Elon Musk in China to discuss enabling full self driving
45 mins -
PSG clinch Ligue 1 title after Lyon’s win over Monaco
3 hours -
Guinness Ghana sets the pace at Ghana Beverage Awards with six awards
3 hours -
Burkina Faso suspends BBC, VOA radio broadcasts over killings coverage
3 hours -
Nicole Kidman honoured with AFI Life Achievement Award
4 hours -
Brassier scores winner for Brest as they edge Rennes to secure European football
4 hours -
Akufo-Addo jabs Ejisu independent candidate; rubbishes allegations to rig by-election
4 hours -
‘What are the real causes of the erratic power outages?’ GUTA asks ECG
4 hours -
Implementing ESG framework in Ghana’s energy sector for sustainability
5 hours -
CAFCC: Dreams FC exit competition after 0-3 defeat in Kumasi
5 hours