The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) vice-presidential candidate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, says a future NPP government would return all confiscated excavators seized during the crackdown on illegal mining.

Addressing chiefs and residents in Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor in the Western Region, Dr Opoku Prempeh assured that the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, does not intend to ban small-scale mining.

This statement comes amid calls for the government to impose a ban to curb environmental damage caused by illegal mining, especially to water bodies.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh stated that the NPP supports regulated small-scale mining, as long as it does not harm the environment.

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He stressed that their approach focuses on regulation, not prohibition.

'We will return all seized excavators so you can work peacefully,' he stated.

'Dr Bawumia will not collapse small-scale mining. We believe in developing the community while protecting the environment.'