The first edition of the world environment day celebration in Obuasi has taken place and present at the event were representatives from various mining companies and contractors in Ghana including AngloGold Ashanti, Asanka Mine, Goldstone and Epiroc.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Joseph Amoako Addai, Senior Programme Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that since 5th June, 1974, the World Environment day create global awareness and addresses environmental challenges confronting the world including climate change and illegal wildlife trade. The theme for the first World Environment Day in 1974 was Only One Earth.
The theme for this year’s celebration globally is “Echo system Restoration” but locally, Ghana celebrated the day with the theme “Growing, Greening Cities”
Nixon Asante, Senior Manager Environment at AngloGold Ashanti explained that the world is faced with three major environmental crises including Climate change, Biodiversity loss and Pollution.
“According to the Country Environmental Analysis by the World Bank, Ghana spends $6.3 billion annually to deal with environmental degradation” he said.
“Let us make smart choices by purchasing products and services certified as sustainable. Let us raise our voices by joining campaigns and educating via social media, face to face and continuous engagement at all levels. We cannot turn back the hand of time but we can grow trees, green our cities and change our acts” he added.
According to Nixon Asante, AngloGold Ashanti is committed to minimising waste, preventing pollution as a key aspect in living its value, supporting its business goal and maintain its social license to operate.
“The company manages the impact of its operation by rehabbing previously disturbed lands and protecting valuable diversity in areas where it operates. A typical example is its recent reclamation work at the ETS following the decommissioning of the shaft” he said.
He also revealed that the mine is cultivating the practice of waste segregation where they separate their waste into different categories for disposal and where applicable, recycling.
Daniel Twumasi, the Asanko Mine rep disclosed that the Mine has over the years built a reputation of excellence as far as environmental management is concerned. He elucidated their preparedness to collaborate with government agencies on the journey of restoring the eco system.
Patrick Adu Gyamfi from Goldstone assured that if we treat the environment well, we shall as a matter of certainty, benefit from it.
In attendance at the event was the Adansihemaa, Amoanimaa Dede II.
A float and awareness creation to commemorate the day also took place on the Obuasi High Street including a tree growing exercise at the Presby Junior High School.
