In observance of World Environment Day, authorities at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have voiced their concerns over the detrimental effects of illegal mining and environmental degradation on Ghana’s health and economy. The event, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” highlighted the urgent need for responsible environmental practices.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Ellis Owusu Dabo, addressed the issue in an interview with Channel One News, emphasizing that poverty should not be used as a justification for environmental destruction. “You shouldn’t destroy your land in the name of obtaining wealth,” he stated, underscoring that such actions would only exacerbate poverty.
An ecologist at KNUST, Professor Alexander Kofi Anning, acknowledged the government’s Green Ghana initiative but stressed the necessity of protecting existing trees. He called for robust measures to prevent the destruction of forest reserves by illegal miners.
“The environment is a national asset that provides us with many benefits and is crucial for our economic development,” Professor Anning said. “To achieve sustainable economic growth, we must protect our environment.
Failure to do so will hinder our progress.” Professor Anning further highlighted the economic implications, noting, “According to the Economy of Biodiversity, 50% of global GDP depends on biodiversity.
If we continue to destroy our environment and ecosystems, we will lose essential resources that support our GDP.” To mark World Environment Day, KNUST faculty members, including department heads and students, led by environmental sociology lecturer Dr. Mary Sefa Boampong, planted 1,000 trees and seedlings.
This initiative is part of the university’s commitment to promoting sustainable environmental practices. The stakeholders’ message was clear: responsible environmental stewardship is crucial not only for current wellbeing but also for the prosperity of future generations.