Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has urged NDC Flagbearer John Dramani Mahama to stop politicizing the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.
Dr. Prempeh criticized Mahama for using the galamsey issue for political gain rather than prioritizing the country’s interests.
Speaking at the 13th Biennial Conference and 40th Anniversary of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowships at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology on September 14, 2024, Dr. Prempeh questioned Mahama’s commitment to tackling illegal mining.
He referred to past incidents where prominent NDC figures were seen encouraging illegal mining, suggesting that the NPP’s loss of parliamentary seats in mining communities was a consequence of the NDC’s perceived support for such activities.
He also pointed out Mahama’s contradictory promises, including his previous commitment to grant amnesty to jailed galamsey miners, which he has since reversed, now threatening to prosecute all illegal miners if elected.
Dr. Prempeh criticized these inconsistencies, asserting that they undermine the NPP’s efforts to combat galamsey.
He emphasized that the NPP’s goal is to manage Ghana’s mineral resources responsibly, ensuring benefits for the people, promoting economic growth, and preserving the environment.
He highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s plans for formalizing, regulating, and supporting environmentally sustainable small-scale mining, including the establishment of a Minerals Development Bank and a Pension Scheme for small-scale miners.
Dr. Prempeh also called on the clergy to denounce political statements that undermine national interests and challenged the NDC to commit genuinely to fighting galamsey by signing a binding national document with the NPP.
This agreement would ensure all parties are held accountable for promoting responsible mining practices and protecting Ghana’s water bodies and forests.
