Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and current Vice President, has emphasised that rivers and other water bodies should not be harmed by the activities of illegal small-scale miners, commonly known as galamsey.

He pledged that under his leadership, there would be a concerted effort to collaborate with mining communities to safeguard the environment while promoting sustainable mining practices.

In his campaign, Bawumia outlined several proposed reforms aimed at improving the mining sector.

He called for a transformation of the licensing and monitoring systems to ensure that traditional leaders and local communities are actively involved in the mining process.

This, he believes, will foster greater accountability and community investment in mining operations.

Additionally, Dr Bawumia proposed the establishment of a Minerals Development Bank, which would provide necessary financing for the capital-intensive mining industry.

This initiative is intended to support sustainable mining practices while ensuring that local communities benefit from the resources extracted from their lands.

“During engagements with the chiefs, leadership and people, I explained my proposals to promote and enhance responsible mining, including reforms in the licensing and monitoring regime to actively involve Chiefs and the local community, and the establishment of a Minerals Development Bank to provide financing for the capital intensive venture of mining. among others,” he posted.