Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, has stated that while the government is dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s water bodies and forest reserves, it will not completely cease mining activities.
In an interview on Peace FM on Wednesday, October 16, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, acknowledged the significance of mining to Ghana’s economy but emphasized the need for it to be conducted in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
“We will protect the water bodies and forest reserves, but mining will continue,” he stated, highlighting the mining sector’s crucial role in the country’s development and the necessity for it to remain operational.
He argued that rather than imposing a ban on mining, the emphasis should be placed on ensuring that mining activities are carried out in ways that protect the environment and the natural resources essential for the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
“Mining can never be entirely halted, but it must be conducted responsibly,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh added, underlining the importance of regulations and stricter enforcement to address illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which has been linked to severe environmental harm, including water pollution and forest destruction.
His statements come amid increasing public concern regarding the environmental impacts of illegal mining operations throughout the country.
Many stakeholders, including civil society organizations, have called for more robust actions to protect Ghana’s natural resources, especially in the ongoing fight against galamsey.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s remarks indicate that the government aims to balance economic growth from mining with efforts to protect the environment.
