Damang Gold Mine Limited (DMGL), an indigenous Ghanaian mine operating at Damang in the western region last Friday joined the global community to commemorate World Environment Day 2026, using the occasion to reinforce the importance of environmental stewardship, climate resilience and responsible mining practices.
The event, held at Damang in the Western Region, brought together traditional authorities, regulatory institutions, students and community members to reflect on the growing environmental challenges confronting the country and the world.
Students from four schools in Damang, dressed in specially branded World Environment Day shirts, actively participated in the celebration by performing poems and presentations highlighting the need to protect the environment and combat climate change.
Among the dignitaries present were Nana Kweku Armah I, Divisional Chief of Damang and his elders, officials from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the Forestry Commission, and representatives of Damang Gold Mine Limited.
As part of activities marking the day, DMGL donated eight refuse bins to four schools within the Damang community, with each school receiving two bins to support proper waste management and promote environmental cleanliness among students. The donation formed part of the company’s efforts to instil responsible waste disposal habits in young people and strengthen environmental education in schools.
Addressing the gathering, the Operations Manager of DMGL, Mr. Francis Erskine, said climate change remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today, with communities already experiencing its effects through changing rainfall patterns, prolonged dry seasons, extreme heat and flooding.
“These realities remind us that environmental systems are changing and that environmental stewardship is no longer an option, but an imperative responsibility,” he stated.
Mr. Erskine emphasized that the mine’s commitment extends beyond gold production to ensuring that mining activities are carried out responsibly and sustainably.
According to him, DMGL continues to focus on reducing its environmental footprint through land rehabilitation, operational efficiency improvements and initiatives aimed at strengthening climate resilience within host communities.
He explained that progressive rehabilitation remains a major component of the company’s environmental strategy, with disturbed mining lands being reshaped, stabilized and re-vegetated to restore ecological balance and promote long-term sustainability.
“By converting mine-disturbed areas into productive landscapes, we contribute to carbon sequestration, improve vegetation cover and create lasting environmental and socio-economic value for surrounding communities,” he noted.
Mr. Erskine further highlighted the company’s waste management initiatives, including waste segregation, responsible disposal practices and recycling programmes. He announced the launch of a waste management campaign in selected schools within the Damang area to promote environmental awareness among the youth.
On water conservation, he said water stewardship remains a key priority for the company. Through water recovery and reuse systems, significant volumes of water are reclaimed from the mine’s tailings storage facility and reused in ore processing, thereby reducing dependence on fresh water sources.
The Operations Manager also used the occasion to speak against illegal mining, describing it as one of the greatest threats to Ghana’s environment and water resources.
“We cannot talk about climate change and environmental protection without addressing illegal mining. Water is life. There is no sense in destroying our water bodies in pursuit of wealth, only to spend that same wealth treating diseases caused by polluted water,” he stressed.
Mr. Erskine urged citizens to regard environmental protection as a shared responsibility and not one that should be left solely to government, traditional authorities or mining companies.
Earlier, the Head of Environment at DMGL, Dr. Desmond Asare, said World Environment Day provides an opportunity not only for celebration, but also for reflection and renewed commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
He noted that climate change continues to affect communities and industries worldwide through rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns and environmental degradation.
“At Damang Gold Mine, we recognize that our responsibility goes beyond gold production. We are committed to ensuring that our operations are conducted responsibly, sustainably and in harmony with our communities and the environment,” Dr. Asare said.
According to him, the celebration was intended to promote environmental awareness, encourage responsible environmental practices, strengthen collaboration among the mine, regulators and host communities, and inspire action towards climate resilience.
Dr. Asare reaffirmed DMGL’s commitment to championing environmental stewardship while maintaining world-class mining operations. The celebration also featured tree planting activities, symbolizing the company’s commitment to environmental restoration and climate action.
This year’s World Environment Day was observed under the global call for stronger action to protect ecosystems and build resilience against the growing impacts of climate change.
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