Independent presidential candidate George Twum-Barimah-Adu has unveiled his plan to combat illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana by transitioning workers into industrial hemp cultivation.
Speaking on 3FM’s Urban Blend, he recounted discussions with galamsey workers in the Western Region, who expressed a willingness to abandon illegal mining if assured a stable income.
Twum-Barimah-Adu highlighted the successful shift of youth in Southern African countries from tobacco to industrial hemp cultivation, which has proven financially beneficial. He emphasized the potential of industrial hemp for various uses, including medicinal applications, while clarifying that he does not intend to legalize marijuana.
Addressing the root causes of galamsey, he pointed to systemic failures in Ghana’s developmental models over the past 32 years, stating that hunger drives people to engage in illegal activities.
He proposed a two-pronged approach: providing sustainable livelihoods and temporarily pausing small-scale mining to implement necessary regulations.
Twum-Barimah-Adu condemned the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, calling for urgent action to protect water bodies and forests.
He criticized political partisanship, suggesting it has hindered effective responses to the galamsey crisis.
He concluded by asserting the need for responsible mining practices, advocating for a pause on galamsey until proper measures are in place to protect the environment while ensuring the welfare of the communities involved.
