Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, has urged former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, to refrain from politicizing the issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey” in Ghana.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh expressed that the former President’s remarks, both past and present, suggest a desire to exploit the situation for political gain, rather than prioritizing the nation’s welfare.
Affectionately known as “NAPO,” he made these remarks while serving as the Guest of Honour at the 13th Biennial Conference and 40th anniversary of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowships on Saturday, 14th September 2024, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
He questioned the former President’s genuine commitment to combating this issue, citing previous incidents and statements that raise doubts about his intentions.
In 2020, several prominent members of the NDC were recorded encouraging illegal miners to persist in their activities in exchange for votes, promising to safeguard their illegal operations.
According to NAPO, this behavior contributed to the NPP’s loss of numerous parliamentary seats in mining regions, as the electorate perceived the situation unfavorably.
NDC as a friend and the NPP the enemy. NPP sacrificed those seats because we put Ghana first.
Dr. Prempeh referenced John Mahama’s commitment to offer amnesty to all galamsey miners who have been imprisoned under the administration of President Akufo-Addo, contingent upon his success in the upcoming election.
During an address at Odum Banso in the Mpohor constituency of the Western Region on October 22, 2020, Mr. Mahama expressed his concerns regarding the imprisonment of Ghanaians for mining-related offenses.
Nevertheless, in a notable shift in position, the NDC presidential candidate has now indicated that he would pursue the arrest and imprisonment of all individuals involved in illegal mining should he assume the presidency in 2025, attributing the public’s discontent to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
These plain inconsistencies by John Mahama on the subject matter of galamsey for me makes it difficult to trust John Mahama on the subject. Rather, they are thwarting the NPP government’s efforts at fighting the canker.
He additionally criticized John Mahama for embodying the qualities of a Statesman by prioritizing the interests of Ghana and refraining from engaging in trivial political maneuvers regarding an issue that holds significant implications for the citizens of Ghana.
NAPO underscored that his foremost objective is to manage Ghana’s mineral resources in a responsible manner, ensuring that the population benefits and that economic growth is fostered, all while safeguarding the environment.
Dr. Bawumia’s bold solutions to the challenges will include formalizing, regularizing and regulating environmentally sustainable small-scale mining. These efforts will ultimately promote more responsible mining practices while helping small-scale mining companies expand into larger enterprises through capacity building and access to financing for equipment acquisition.
I can assure you that the next NPP government under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will establish, in collaboration with the private sector, a Minerals Development Bank to support the mining industry. We will also set up a pension scheme for small-scale miners like we have done for cocoa farmers. We have the credibility when we say we are going to do this because we have done it before.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh urged the Clergy to denounce any statements made by politicians that undermine the interests of Ghana for their own political gain.
He subsequently called upon the opposition National Democratic Congress to demonstrate genuine dedication to combating illegal mining by entering into a binding national agreement with the New Patriotic Party.
He emphasized that this agreement should ensure accountability among all parties and require them to advocate against illegal mining while fostering responsible mining practices that safeguard water resources and forests.
