Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the esteemed Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued a resounding clarion call to political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to combating the scourge of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, by signing a groundbreaking “binding national anti-galamsey pact.”
Addressing the 13th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowship at the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Saturday, September 14, 2024, Dr. Prempeh emphasized the urgent need for collective action against this environmental menace.
He passionately urged religious leaders to spearhead stakeholder engagement in developing this pivotal pact, outlining comprehensive solutions to galamsey’s devastating impact on the environment and human life.
With Ghana’s December 7 elections looming and the ongoing national debate on illegal mining, Dr. Prempeh stressed the importance of political parties showcasing their dedication to fighting galamsey through this proposed pact, built on national consensus.
He emphasized that this commitment would serve as a testament to their resolve to protect Ghana’s natural resources and ensure a sustainable future.
Dr. Prempeh questioned former President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to combating galamsey, citing past incidents involving NDC officials allegedly encouraging illegal miners and Mahama’s 2020 promise to grant amnesty to imprisoned illegal miners.
He expressed concern that such actions undermine efforts to combat galamsey and perpetuate environmental degradation.
Assuring the church and Ghanaians of the NPP’s unwavering resolve against galamsey, Dr. Prempeh reaffirmed the party’s willingness to sign the anti-galamsey pact under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership.
He highlighted the NPP’s 2024 manifesto, which includes a detailed plan to combat illegal mining, promote responsible small-scale mining, and safeguard the environment and water bodies.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates the NPP’s dedication to addressing the complex issues surrounding galamsey.
Dr. Prempeh challenged the NDC and its flagbearer to present their blueprint for addressing galamsey and commit to the proposed pact, advocating for a campaign prioritizing Ghana’s long-term interests over short-term political gains.
He emphasized that the fight against galamsey requires a collective effort, transcending party lines, to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
