Press Releases of Thursday, 9 January 2025

Source: Pure Earth

Pure Earth Ghana congratulates President John Dramani Mahama, commits to collaboration on environmental initiatives

Ghana Country Director  Pure Earth, Blacksmith Initiative, Esmond Wisdom Quansah Ghana Country Director Pure Earth, Blacksmith Initiative, Esmond Wisdom Quansah

Pure Earth Ghana extends its warmest congratulations to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on his election and successful inauguration as President of the Republic of Ghana.

We are particularly inspired by the environmental vision outlined in Point 19 of the first 120-day social contract: "Ban illegal and new mining activities in forest reserves". We are excited about the rollout of ‘Tree for Life’ and ‘Blue Water Initiative’, aimed at restoring and sustainably leveraging the environment.

These initiatives will focus on transforming areas and water bodies affected by illegal mining into hubs for economic and ecological recovery. The action points 19 also seems to prioritize and highlight the urgent need to address environmental pollution challenges facing Ghana, especially within the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector—a mission that resonates deeply with Pure Earth Ghana.

As a globally recognized non-governmental organization, Pure Earth has been at the forefront of tackling heavy metal pollution such as lead and mercury pollution, and its health impact in middle- and low-income countries. Through Pure Earth’s innovative projects such as landscape restoration, environmental remediation, etc., and strategic partnerships, we have dedicated ourselves to reducing pollution’s adverse effects on soil, water, and public health.

Pure Earth has been collaborating with key Ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Environmental Protection Agency, and a host of others to tackle these critical issues.

In support of President Mahama’s agenda, Pure Earth stands in readiness to collaborate with his administration to realize this vision and implement sustainable solutions aimed at:

1. Advancing sustainable practices for addressing heavy metal pollution such as lead & mercury in the country.

2. Collaborating with key governmental agencies to mitigate mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector.

3. Protecting communities from harmful pollutants.

4. Building a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Ghana for future generations.

Pure Earth is an environmental health non-profit organization dedicated to solving pollution problems and promoting sustainable practices in middle and low-income countries including Ghana. We partner with governments, local communities, and international agencies to solve heavy metal pollution and its health impacts.

Established in 1999, Pure Earth has consistently championed innovative solutions to combat pollution and its devastating effects on human health and the environment. Through collaborative initiatives and community-driven projects, Pure Earth has made significant strides in remediating contaminated sites, mitigating toxic exposures, and advocating for sustainable practices worldwide.

For more information, visit www.pureearth.org or follow us on our social media platforms.

Signed:

Rev. Dr. Esmond Wisdom Quansah
Ghana Country Director
Pure Earth, Blacksmith Initiative