EPA boss recommends responsible mining practices to safeguard human health, environment

Dr. Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi is the Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA. He emphasized the need for responsible mining practices. These practices are essential to protect human health and the environment.

He highlighted the dangers of using mercury in gold extraction. Dr. Nyantakyi spoke at the Responsible Mining and Environmental Security Conference. This event was a collaboration between Pro-Mining Initiative Ghana and Goshen Global, supported by Commodity Monitor and the U.S. Embassy in Obuasi.

The conference featured several speakers, including Dr. Ishmael Quaicoe from UMaT. Representatives from paramount chiefs, the Ashanti Regional Minister's office, and Ghana Police Service also attended.

The conference aimed to find sustainable solutions for illegal mining's impacts. It promoted responsible mining practices among key stakeholders in the industry.

Dr. Nyantakyi noted that ongoing EPA compliance monitoring revealed alarming mercury use by small-scale miners in Ashanti Region. He stressed that mercury poses severe risks to public health and the environment.

The workshop aimed to educate miners about mercury's devastating effects. It also sought to promote safer alternatives for gold extraction.

Dr. Nyantakyi referenced the Minamata disaster as a tragic example of mercury exposure consequences. This case study highlights long-term impacts on individuals, communities, and ecosystems.