The Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly referred to as “NAPO,” has pledged to the public that his party is dedicated to addressing the issue of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
This commitment was articulated during a courtesy visit from the Eminent Persons Group of the Christian Council of Ghana. Dr. Opoku Prempeh reiterated the party’s resolve to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices, emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation for the benefit of Ghana.
In his discussions with the Christian Council delegation in Accra, Dr. Opoku Prempeh raised concerns regarding recent actions by prominent figures within the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He highlighted a concerning incident where the NDC’s Running Mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, allegedly endorsed illegal mining activities in Prestea.
It is alarming that she would promote galamsey, an activity that is not only illegal but destructive to our water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems.
Dr. Prempeh expressed his disapproval of former President John Dramani Mahama, asserting that Mahama had motivated nearly 5,000 young individuals to participate in his “Youth in Mining” initiative in 2015 without providing adequate training or oversight.
NAPO characterized Mahama’s strategy as “irresponsible and reckless,” cautioning that unregulated mining operations conducted by inexperienced youth would further intensify the environmental crisis and worsen the nation’s issues related to illegal mining.
While we are all in favor of creating job opportunities for our youth, encouraging them to enter mining without the necessary training or oversight is a recipe for disaster…The NPP is focused on empowering the youth with the skills and resources needed to engage in responsible and sustainable livelihoods.
NAPO detailed the National Patriotic Party’s strategy for tackling illegal mining, highlighting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s extensive plan for the mining sector.
This plan encompasses stringent regulations, the implementation of environmentally sustainable mining practices, and collaboration with the geological survey department, among other initiatives.
Under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, we will ensure that all mining activities are done within a legal framework that protects our environment while creating sustainable jobs. We are committed to partnering with key stakeholders, including our chiefs, to restore order in the mining sector.
The delegation representing the Christian Council, headed by Rev. Enoch Thompson, praised the NPP for its firm position on combating galamsey and its initiatives aimed at promoting responsible mining practices.
Rev. Thompson emphasized the Council’s endorsement of the government’s initiatives to eliminate illegal mining and safeguard the welfare of future generations.
This meeting is part of a broader series of discussions that the Christian Council is conducting with various political parties in preparation for the 2024 general elections, with a particular focus on addressing national concerns, notably the battle against illegal mining.
