Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to show their commitment to tackling the illegal mining issue, commonly known as galamsey, by signing a “binding national anti-galamsey pact.”
He emphasized the need for political consensus in addressing the environmental devastation caused by galamsey and highlighted the crucial role religious leaders should play in this process. According to Dr. Prempeh, religious figures, especially from the Christian community, should lead the dialogue among key stakeholders to develop this comprehensive national pact aimed at finding lasting solutions to the galamsey problem.
Dr. Prempeh, affectionately called “Napo” by his supporters, made this appeal during the 13th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowship held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Saturday, September 14, 2024. With elections approaching on December 7, and illegal mining continuing to dominate the national discourse, Napo stressed the urgency of political parties demonstrating their dedication to solving the galamsey crisis through this pact, which he proposed should be grounded in national consensus.
He challenged the NDC, particularly its leader and former President John Dramani Mahama, to demonstrate a stronger commitment to the fight against illegal mining. Dr. Prempeh pointed out previous incidents where NDC officials were allegedly seen encouraging illegal miners, raising concerns about their dedication to combating galamsey. He also referenced Mahama’s controversial 2020 campaign promise to grant amnesty to imprisoned illegal miners if elected, questioning the sincerity of his stance on the matter.
In contrast, Dr. Prempeh reiterated the NPP’s unwavering dedication to eradicating galamsey, assuring the audience that the party remains firm in its commitment despite the challenges encountered in the fight against illegal mining. He affirmed that the NPP, under the leadership of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and himself, would fully support and sign the proposed anti-galamsey pact as part of their ongoing efforts to protect the country’s natural resources and safeguard the environment.
Highlighting the NPP’s 2024 manifesto, Dr. Prempeh outlined the party’s comprehensive plan to combat illegal mining and promote responsible small-scale mining practices. He noted that the manifesto includes detailed strategies for preserving Ghana’s water bodies, rehabilitating damaged land, and ensuring that mining is conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. The NPP’s approach, he explained, is to strike a balance between mining and environmental protection to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and productive natural landscape.
However, Dr. Prempeh expressed concerns that the NDC and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, have yet to present a clear and actionable strategy for addressing the galamsey problem. He criticized the opposition for failing to outline their plan to combat illegal mining and protect the environment. As the election date nears, Dr. Prempeh urged the NDC to make their position on galamsey known and to commit to the proposed anti-galamsey pact, stressing that the fight against illegal mining should be a priority for all political parties.
Napo further encouraged a campaign focused on Ghana’s long-term environmental health rather than short-term political gains. He called on the NDC and other political parties to join the NPP in showing leadership on this critical issue by signing the anti-galamsey pact and supporting the development of a comprehensive national roadmap to address the challenges posed by illegal mining.
In his address, Dr. Prempeh also underscored the importance of involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the fight against galamsey. He urged civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and community groups to play an active role in monitoring illegal mining activities and supporting the government’s efforts to protect Ghana’s forests, rivers, and ecosystems. The anti-galamsey pact, he suggested, should serve as a unifying document that brings together all sectors of society in the fight to eliminate illegal mining once and for all.
The environmental and human toll of galamsey continues to be a major concern for many Ghanaians, especially as illegal mining operations have ravaged forests, destroyed farmlands, and contaminated rivers. As a result, local communities face significant hardships, including loss of livelihoods, displacement, and health risks due to polluted water sources. The fight against galamsey has been an ongoing challenge for successive governments, with various interventions implemented over the years, but the problem persists.
Dr. Prempeh’s call for a binding national anti-galamsey pact reflects the growing recognition that illegal mining is a complex issue requiring a coordinated and sustained effort to resolve. By engaging all political parties, religious leaders, and stakeholders in the development of a comprehensive strategy, Napo hopes to build a lasting consensus that transcends party politics and focuses on safeguarding Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations.
As the December 7 elections draw closer, the issue of illegal mining is expected to remain at the forefront of the political debate, with voters looking to political parties for concrete solutions. Dr. Prempeh’s appeal for a national anti-galamsey pact highlights the NPP’s determination to address the issue head-on, while challenging the NDC and other parties to demonstrate their commitment to the fight against galamsey.
Ultimately, Dr. Prempeh’s vision for the anti-galamsey pact is one that unites the nation in the pursuit of sustainable solutions to illegal mining. By signing onto this agreement, political parties would be sending a clear message that they are serious about protecting Ghana’s environment, promoting responsible mining practices, and ensuring the well-being of communities affected by galamsey.
