Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, the Presidential Candidate of the Movement for Change, has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, by advocating for life imprisonment as a deterrent for offenders.

During an address at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) encounter in Accra on October 1, 2024, he emphasised the importance of harsher penalties to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources.

Mr Kyerematen argued that the current 10-year prison sentence for illegal miners is insufficient to discourage individuals from engaging in the destructive practice.

He outlined his proposal for life imprisonment as a stronger punitive measure, aimed at curbing the widespread illegal mining activities that continue to threaten the nation’s water bodies and land.

In addition to the proposed life sentences, the Movement for Change leader pledged to introduce state-of-the-art technology to aid in the restoration of polluted rivers and water bodies.

This initiative, he said, would form part of his broader environmental protection agenda, ensuring that the damage caused by galamsey is reversed, and sustainable mining practices are enforced.

Mr Kyerematen highlighted the long-term benefits of his plan, stating that by taking a firmer stance on illegal mining, Ghana’s natural resources would be preserved for future generations.

He also reassured the public that his administration would prioritize sustainable resource management and work to restore the balance between economic development and environmental protection.

The presidential candidate concluded by urging Ghanaians to support his vision for a cleaner and safer environment, emphasising that tackling galamsey is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable growth and development for the nation.

“Impose a complete ban for one year on small-scale, community mining, whether legal or illegal, within one year we can clean all our river bodies…The introduction of new legislation and regulations will impose a complete ban on any form of mining in river bodies and forest reserves, with associated sanction regimes including life imprisonment for the violation of these new laws."

“Ghanaians, you need to get to the point where when you punish them they will feel the impact of the punishment. If it is just a question of 10 years, the amount of money that they may be getting from galamsey, it will not be enough deterrent, they will go in 10 years, come back and continue."

“So we have to be serious about how we deal with galamsey," he stated.

Read Also: Alan Kyerematen outlines 10-point plan to end Galamsey