Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate to NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reiterated the party’s position on small-scale mining, affirming that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has no plans to ban the practice.
He assured that the NPP supports small-scale miners as long as their operations do not damage the environment or pollute water sources.
Speaking to chiefs and residents in Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor in the Western Region, Dr. Opoku Prempeh stressed that the party aims to regulate mining activities to ensure environmental protection rather than impose a ban.
He stated, “Small-scale miners provide for their families through their work. The NDC, who once received support from these miners, now threaten to harm them.
We reject these threats and will not resort to violence. Instead, we will return all seized excavators to allow miners to work peacefully, benefiting both themselves and their communities. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is committed to supporting small-scale mining.”
Dr. Opoku Prempeh also emphasized that while the government disapproves of damaging water bodies, those interested in the community mining scheme will be permitted to mine.
Meanwhile, there is increasing pressure on the government from professional bodies, associations, and religious leaders to take strong action against illegal mining, with calls for a temporary suspension of all small-scale mining activities until a sustainable solution is found.
