Amanzule wetland
A Group of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is set to petition the Minerals Commission over mining in the Amanzule Conservation Area in Ellembelle and Nzema East districts of the Western Region.
The groups led by Ghana Environment Advocacy claim the Minerals Commission has given out the area as a concession to Yellow Gold Mining Company.
They have since rolled out an online petition to gather signatures to rally against mining in the area.
According to Arocha Ghana, the passage of LI 2462 on mining in Forest Reserves, licenses have already been given for mining to take place in 8 forest reserves -3 of which are globally significant biodiversity area in Ghana.
Petition Against Mining in Amanzule Conservation Area (google.com)
About Amanzule wetland
Amanzule wetland is the largest stand of intact swamp-forest in Ghana and its value is further enhanced by the fact that large areas are still in a relatively pristine condition.
The fauna of the site, as with most blackwater areas, is species-poor; however, the communities present are distinctive. With current rates of population growth and development, unless action is taken now to safeguard this unique area, it is likely to suffer the fate of numerous other coastal wetlands, which have become completely degraded.
The area is being considered as a Community Nature Reserve, with the possibility of Ramsar designation, under a project being implemented by the Ghana Wildlife Society, with funding from the Netherlands Government.
Because of the large size of the catchment and the high population density in some parts, a zonation system will be necessary to focus conservation action on the most biologically important and intact areas.
The freshwater lagoon is fished by the Nzulenso community; the fishing is regulated by a wide range of well-enforced taboos, aimed at ensuring sustainability and preventing pollution of the lagoon waters.
Reporting by Fred Dzakpata
Yes. We can’t allow this to happen.Many Nzema youth are livid about the potential loss of the only living river remaining in the whole of the Nzema area. Let’s all join hands to #saveAmanzule and its critical watershed area.
The Youths of Affected communities in the propose concession areas must stand up against mining in any form. The Nzima Youth must not be deceived that they are going to be employed. How many of them are going to be employed compared to the loss of their livelihoods and negative social economic impacts of the environment in their respective communities. The chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, the youth and members of the proposed concession communities must note that rubber, coconuts and oil palm plantations, other cash crops and food crops including virgin lands would be lost.
Nobody should be deceived since no amount of compensations would replace the future values of any loss assets including relocations and settlements benefits. “It is important to think of the future and the future generations and not to think of only today.” Thanks.