Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to demonstrate their commitment to fighting illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, by signing a “binding national anti-galamsey pact.”
He urged religious leaders, especially the church, to lead the process of engaging stakeholders to develop this national anti-galamsey pact.
The proposed pact, according to him, should outline a comprehensive roadmap to finding permanent solutions to the galamsey menace, which poses a serious threat to the environment and human life.
Dr. Prempeh, affectionately known as “Napo,” made this appeal while addressing the 13th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowship at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
With the country preparing for elections on December 7, and given the ongoing national debate on illegal mining, he stressed the importance of political parties showing their dedication to combating galamsey by signing the proposed pact, which would be based on national consensus.
Dr. Prempeh questioned former President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to fighting illegal mining, citing past incidents where NDC officials were reportedly seen encouraging illegal miners.
He also referenced Mahama’s 2020 promise to grant amnesty to imprisoned illegal miners if elected, questioning his stance on the issue.
Despite setbacks, Dr. Prempeh assured the church and Ghanaians that the NPP remains resolute in its fight against illegal mining.
He affirmed that the NPP, under the leadership of Dr. Bawumia and himself, would willingly sign the anti-galamsey pact to reaffirm their commitment.
He further highlighted the NPP’s 2024 manifesto, which includes a detailed plan to combat illegal mining, promote responsible small-scale mining, and protect the environment and water bodies.
Dr. Prempeh expressed concern that the NDC and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, have yet to clearly outline their strategy for addressing the galamsey issue. He challenged the opposition to present their blueprint for the sector and commit to the proposed anti-galamsey pact, encouraging a campaign that prioritizes Ghana’s long-term interests over short-term political gains.