The Vice Presidential Candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has called on political parties, especially the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to show their commitment to combating illegal mining (galamsey) by signing a "binding national anti-Galamsey pact."

He urged religious leaders, particularly the church, to spearhead the process of bringing together all key stakeholders to create this pact.

According to him, the pact should outline a comprehensive strategy to permanently address the galamsey problem, which poses a severe threat to the environment and humanity.

Dr Prempeh, affectionately known as Napo, made these remarks while addressing the 13th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowship, held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

With the upcoming national elections on December 7 and the growing concerns surrounding galamsey, Napo emphasised the need for political parties to prove their dedication to fighting illegal mining by signing this binding pact, which should be built on national consensus.

He reassured the church and the public that the NPP remains fully committed to the fight against galamsey, despite recent challenges.

He stated that the NPP would have no reservations in signing the pact as a reaffirmation of its dedication.

Napo also mentioned that the NPP's 2024 Manifesto includes a detailed plan for addressing galamsey and promoting a golden age for Ghanaian-owned small-scale mining, creating jobs and wealth while ensuring responsible and environmentally sustainable practices.

However, Dr Prempeh expressed concern that the opposition party, led by John Dramani Mahama, has yet to clearly outline their approach to dealing with galamsey.

He challenged them to present their strategy for the sector so Ghanaians could evaluate it and make informed decisions. He specifically urged the NDC to commit to signing the proposed national anti-Galamsey pact.

"Water is life, and we must raise our voices. No one should be allowed to mine irresponsibly or illegally. Under no circumstances should anyone be permitted to mine in our river bodies. We are not a lawless country where people can claim land due to their strength and prospects for gold anywhere they please. Everyone must abide by the laws of the country.

Dr Prempeh said, “Small-scale and responsible mining is beneficial. In fact, the Lord placed more gold on this earth than anything else because that resource is meant for the country’s development, not its destruction.

Those who care about this country don’t want to see our water bodies and forests destroyed. When the last tree dies, the last man dies. If there’s no water, there’s no life" he noted.

He added, “If for political reasons you go and promise, like President Mahama did, to grant amnesty for illegal mining, how irresponsible is that?'

“No party wants to lose an election, especially a party like ours that has worked hard for the country. We’ve brought Free SHS, kept the lights on for eight years, created 2.3 million jobs, promoted vocational and technical training, supported NHIS, and are building 111 hospitals across the country. “We deserve to continue the work we’ve started—not to build mortuaries in Zongo but to provide health and development for all."

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