Stream Original TV and Radio Live

We’re Fully Committed To Fighting Galamsey – NAPO Assures And Exposes NDC’s Hypocrisy

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly called “NAPO”, has assured the public of his party’s commitment to combat the illegal mining known in local parlance as galamsey.

NAPO gave this assurance when a group named the Eminent Persons Group of the Christian Council of Ghana paid a courtesy call on him.

He reaffirmed the party’s dedication to ensuring that mining is conducted responsibly and sustainably through the preservation of the environment which, he noted, will be much beneficial to Ghana.

During the meeting with the Christian Council delegation in Accra, Dr. Opoku Prempeh expressed concerns over recent developments involving key members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) as he cited a troubling incident where the NDC’s Running Mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, in Prestea, reportedly encouraged illegal mining activities.

“It is alarming that she would promote galamsey, an activity that is not only illegal but destructive to our water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems”, NAPO said.

Dr. Prempeh also criticized former President John Dramani Mahama who he stated encouraged between close to 5,000 young people to enter his (Mahama) “Youth in Mining” initiative in 2015 without any proper training or regulation.

NAPO described Mahama’s approach as “irresponsible and reckless”, warning that unregulated mining activities by inexperienced youth would only deepen the environmental crisis and exacerbate the country’s illegal mining problems.

“While we are all in favor of creating job opportunities for our youth, encouraging them to enter mining without the necessary training or oversight is a recipe for disaster…The NPP is focused on empowering the youth with the skills and resources needed to engage in responsible and sustainable livelihoods.”

NAPO outlined the NPP’s strategy for addressing illegal mining stating Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s comprehensive plan on mining which includes strict regulation, the introduction of environmentally-friendly mining approaches with support from the geological survey department among others.

“Under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, we will ensure that all mining activities are done within a legal framework that protects our environment while creating sustainable jobs. We are committed to partnering with key stakeholders, including our chiefs, to restore order in the mining sector”, he remarked.

The delegation from the Christian Council led by Rev. Enoch Thompson, commended the NPP for its strong stance on the galamsey and its plans to foster responsible mining.

Rev. Thompson reiterated the Council’s support for the government’s efforts in eradicating illegal mining and ensuring the wellbeing of future generations.

The meeting forms part of a series of engagements the Christian Council is holding with political parties ahead of the 2024 general elections to discuss national issues with the fight against illegal mining high on the agenda.