After over 4 years of relentless advocacy by the Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group and colleague CSOs against the continued destruction of our land, forests and waterbodies without success, Ghanaians have the opportunity to change course on December 7, 2024.

Under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's administration, whose Vice President, Alhaji Muhamadu Bawumia is seeking to be elected as President, the Minerals Commission of Ghana has issued over 2,000 mining licenses, including mining in 37 forest reserves. Some of these licenses have resulted in the direct pollution of rivers like Amanzule, Tano, Pra, Offin, Bonsa, Atronsu, Birim, Djimi, Ankobra, Fia, among others.

Neither petitions, demonstrations, lamentations nor heart wrenching documentaries showcasing the existential threat Ghana faces, resulted in any meaningful action or commitment to resolve the issue, beyond half-hearted, non-committal speeches and selective military action.

As they say, "a fish spoils from the head." We Ghanaians have the opportunity on December 7 to change our head and allow ourselves to start afresh. Are we ready?