A Takoradi based Environmental Advocacy Non Governmental Organization (NGO) has organized a stakeholders consultative forum in Obuasi for small scale miners and industry players under the theme; ‘Contributing to the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, with a focus on developing structures on reducing mercury use in Artisanal and Small scale Gold Mining in Ghana through development of National Plan’.
Participants were taken through Awareness on Mercury Usage, Mercury free Technology and Mercury Management.
Participants were advised to be weary of the commonly used Elemental mercury (Hg) which emits poisonous smoke that cause lung and kidney cancers.
Speaking to Obuasitoday.com the Executive Director for Friends of the Nation (FoN), Mr. Solomon Kusi-Ampofo said Ghana signed the Minamata Convention in September 2014 and an action plan will be drawn after three years.
The Minamata Convention is a global treaty with the objectives to protect the human health and the environment from the anthropgenic emissions and release of mercury.
The programme which was held at the Mawuli Hotel was attended by members of the small Artisanal small scale miners (ASM), Civil Society Organizations, Assembly Members and the media.