Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh also known as NAPO, the vice-presidential candidate of the NPP, has made a strong case for stakeholders in the mining industry to embrace Dr Bawumia’s innovative solutions for the nation’s mining sector, which he described as a game-changer.

He believes that these solutions will usher in a golden age for Ghanaian-owned small-scale mining, creating wealth and jobs while promoting responsible and sustainable practices.

During his constituency-focused campaign tours on Sunday, September 8, 2024, Dr Prempeh addressed the chiefs and people of two key mining constituencies, Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor in the Western Region.

He emphasised that the NPP’s main goal has always been to manage Ghana's mineral resources in a way that benefits the people and drives economic growth without harming the environment.

Affectionately known as NAPO, Dr Prempeh highlighted Dr Bawumia's bold solutions, which include formalising, regularising, and regulating environmentally sustainable small-scale mining.

He pointed out that these measures will lead to more responsible mining practices and help small-scale mining companies grow into larger enterprises through capacity building and access to financing for equipment acquisition.

“I can assure you that the next NPP government under Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will establish, in collaboration with the private sector, a Minerals Development Bank to support the mining industry.

"We will also set up a Pension Scheme for small-scale miners like we have done for cocoa farmers. We have the credibility when we say we are going to do this because we have done it before”, Dr Prempeh assured.

Regarding the formalisation of the mining sector, the vice-presidential candidate stated that all miners engaged in responsible mining would be licensed, and District Mining Committees, including chiefs, would provide temporary licenses to miners.

He made it clear that as long as miners operate within the limits of their licenses, there will be no seizure or destruction of excavators adding that irresponsible mining along water bodies and forest areas would not be tolerated.

In conclusion, the NPP running mate urged Ghanaians to vote overwhelmingly for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the next President of Ghana to implement his bold solutions for the mining sector.

He also called for support for the NPP Parliamentary Candidates, Barbara Oteng Gyasi and John Kobina Sanie, in the Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor constituencies, respectively.