Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has emphasized the government’s dedication to protecting Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves, while ensuring that mining, a key driver of the nation’s economy, continues in a responsible manner.
His remarks come as a response to the increasing concerns about illegal mining, known as galamsey, which has severely impacted the country’s natural resources.
Dr. Prempeh made these comments during an interview on Accra-based Peace FM on Wednesday, October 16, where he outlined the government’s stance on mining activities. While acknowledging the importance of mining to Ghana’s economy, he was quick to note that certain areas, particularly sensitive ecosystems such as water bodies and forest reserves, will remain off-limits to mining operations.
“We will never stop mining. Mining has given the country a lot of benefits; how else would we be able to implement the Gold-for-oil Policy?” Dr. Prempeh stated, stressing that the government would continue to rely on mining for its contributions to national development. However, he was clear that measures would be put in place to ensure that mining activities are carried out in a way that preserves the environment and avoids further degradation of natural resources.
Illegal mining, or galamsey, has long been a contentious issue in Ghana. The practice has led to the destruction of water bodies, the degradation of forest reserves, and the pollution of agricultural lands, sparking nationwide debates about the need for stricter regulations. Dr. Prempeh acknowledged these concerns, reassuring Ghanaians that while the government will support mining, it will not do so at the expense of the environment.
The Vice-Presidential candidate outlined a series of policy initiatives that the government plans to implement, aimed at promoting more sustainable and responsible mining practices. According to Dr. Prempeh, these policies would provide miners, including those involved in community mining and small-scale mining, with the necessary resources to operate in an environmentally friendly manner.
“We will implement policies that will equip miners, be it community mining or small-scale mining, with resources for them to mine responsibly and restore the environment,” he explained. Dr. Prempeh also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the mining sector, citing the introduction of technologies such as “gold catchers” to increase gold production without causing additional environmental harm.
One of the most pressing concerns associated with galamsey has been the use of harmful chemicals, such as mercury, which pose significant risks to both the environment and public health. Dr. Prempeh assured the public that the government remains committed to eliminating the use of such hazardous substances in mining operations. “We don’t like the use of mercury and the other things they use to disrupt the environment. It was Nana Addo’s government that brought in the gold catchers that are bringing in a higher amount of gold, with the same amount of work done,” he remarked.
Dr. Prempeh’s comments reflect the delicate balance the government must strike between fostering economic growth through mining and ensuring the protection of Ghana’s natural environment. Mining remains a vital industry for the country, providing jobs and revenue, and contributing to initiatives such as the Gold-for-oil Policy. This policy, designed to stabilize fuel prices and reduce the pressure on Ghana’s foreign reserves, relies heavily on the country’s gold mining output.
However, as Dr. Prempeh pointed out, the government recognizes the environmental costs that can come with mining, particularly when it is done irresponsibly. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting critical natural resources, emphasizing the need for a sustainable approach to mining that does not endanger the country’s forests and water bodies.
“As the saying goes, water is life and as the last tree dies, the last man dies. That is why you don’t get people living in the desert. We will protect the forest, we will protect the water bodies, but the mining will continue to be done,” he affirmed.
The Vice-Presidential candidate’s remarks are likely to be welcomed by environmental advocates who have long called for stronger action to curb the negative impacts of illegal mining. At the same time, his assurance that mining will continue in a responsible manner is expected to resonate with those who depend on the industry for their livelihoods.
Dr. Prempeh’s interview also comes at a crucial time, as Ghana prepares for upcoming elections. The NPP has made economic recovery and job creation central to its campaign platform, and mining is seen as a key sector in driving this agenda forward. By reaffirming the government’s commitment to both the environment and the mining industry, Dr. Prempeh has positioned the NPP as a party that is capable of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
In the months leading up to the elections, the issue of illegal mining is likely to remain a hot topic in national discourse. The challenge for the government will be to implement the promised reforms and ensure that mining, particularly small-scale mining, is carried out in a manner that benefits the economy without sacrificing the country’s precious natural resources. Dr. Prempeh’s comments offer a glimpse into the NPP’s approach to this complex issue, one that seeks to promote responsible mining while safeguarding Ghana’s environmental future.
