Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has once again emphasized the critical need to protect rivers and water bodies from the damaging effects of illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
He assured that, under his leadership, there would be a concentrated effort to collaborate with mining communities to preserve the environment while advancing sustainable mining practices.
As part of his campaign agenda, Dr. Bawumia outlined several key reforms aimed at improving the mining sector.
A central focus of these reforms is the overhaul of the licensing and monitoring systems. He believes this process should involve traditional leaders and local communities to foster greater accountability and active local participation.
In addition, he proposed the establishment of a Minerals Development Bank, designed to provide crucial financial support for the capital-heavy mining industry.
This initiative is intended to promote sustainable mining methods while ensuring that local communities receive a fair share of the wealth generated from their lands.
In my discussions with chiefs, community leaders, and members, I presented my plans to encourage responsible mining. These include reforms to the licensing and monitoring systems to engage traditional authorities and local communities more directly and the creation of a Minerals Development Bank to fund the capital-intensive mining industry,
