The running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, has assured Ghanaians that a government led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will take decisive action to stop all forms of mining in waterbodies and forest reserves.
He emphasized that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, has caused significant harm to Ghana’s environment, particularly to its rivers and forests, and the next NPP administration will implement measures to put an end to it.
Speaking to residents of Odotobri in the Ashanti Region during a campaign tour, Dr. Prempeh stated that the NPP is committed to sustainable mining practices and will enact laws to regulate how mining should be conducted. He emphasized that the government will provide environmentally friendly mining equipment that minimizes harm to the environment and river bodies. This equipment will be made available to communities involved in mining, ensuring that the practice is done in a way that protects natural resources while providing economic benefits to the communities.
“The law will be that there will be no mining in river bodies and no mining in forest reserves,” Dr. Prempeh stated. “There will be laws to regulate how mining will also be done. The government will bring a new policy that will ensure that mining communities and community mining are given the necessary equipment to ensure that the environment is not destroyed.”
The promise to stop mining in waterbodies and forest reserves comes at a time when many Ghanaians, particularly environmental groups, have been raising concerns about the damaging effects of galamsey. Illegal mining has led to the destruction of vast areas of forest, polluted major rivers, and severely impacted wildlife habitats. The water crisis caused by polluted rivers has made it difficult for communities to access clean drinking water, further exacerbating the negative effects of illegal mining.
Organised Labour and other related organisations have been vocal in their demands for the government to take stronger action against galamsey. These groups have given the government until the end of September to address the issue and find sustainable solutions to the problem. They argue that unless drastic measures are taken to stop illegal mining, the country’s natural resources will continue to be depleted, causing long-term damage to the environment and negatively affecting future generations.
As part of a broader public effort to raise awareness of the issue, Channel One TV launched a campaign dubbed, ‘I Stand Against Galamsey’, on September 16. This campaign seeks to amplify the voices of the associations and unions calling for a ban on illegal mining until sustainable solutions can be implemented. Environmentalists, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens have all joined the call for stronger regulations and better enforcement of mining laws.
Despite the public outcry, some Ghanaians remain skeptical about the government’s commitment to ending illegal mining. The statements of certain government appointees have left many questioning whether the political will exists to effectively tackle the issue. Over the years, various governments have announced initiatives aimed at stopping galamsey, but many of these efforts have fallen short, leading to frustration among the public.
Dr. Prempeh, however, reassured the residents of Odotobri that the NPP is determined to address the galamsey menace once and for all. He stressed that the government would not only pass laws to regulate mining but also ensure that enforcement mechanisms are put in place to hold offenders accountable. In addition, he explained that the promotion of community mining would be a key part of the NPP’s approach to solving the problem. Community mining, when done with proper oversight and environmentally friendly equipment, can provide livelihoods to local communities while preserving the environment.
“We need to support community mining in a way that does not destroy our environment,” Dr. Prempeh explained. “The government will make sure that miners have access to the right equipment and that they follow the laws. This is the only way to ensure that we can protect our waterbodies and forests while also supporting the livelihoods of those involved in mining.”
The NPP’s promise to end mining in waterbodies and forest reserves has been welcomed by many environmentalists, who see it as a crucial step in the fight against illegal mining. However, they have also urged the government to move quickly in implementing these policies, as the longer the problem persists, the more damage will be done to the environment.
In the coming weeks, Dr. Prempeh and the NPP are expected to continue their campaign across the country, discussing their plans to address illegal mining and other key issues facing Ghana. As the 2024 general election approaches, the fight against galamsey is likely to be a major topic of discussion, with both the NPP and other political parties outlining their strategies for dealing with the issue.
While the promise to end mining in waterbodies and forest reserves is a significant step, many Ghanaians will be watching closely to see whether the NPP can deliver on its promises if elected. For now, the hope is that the next government will take the necessary actions to protect the environment, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that mining is conducted in a way that benefits all Ghanaians, without causing irreparable harm to the country’s natural resources.
