Ghanaian economist, Kwame Pianim has urged presidential candidates in this year's election to have a solid plan on how to completely end illegal mining, also known as galamsey in the country.

Speaking in an interview with Joy News’ Kojo Brace, on Tuesday, October 15, Kwame Pianim said "If you want to be President now and you don't know how to solve galamsey in Ghana then you're not competent to be president".

According to him, what he has heard the former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate say about galamsey will not help the country.

"I heard President Mahama…look that will not help us” he noted.

About Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's plans, the renowned economist said it is not enough to solve the mining problem. He called on all candidates to come up with good proposals.

He said the fight against galamsey should be a collaborative work, and urged the scientific society of the country including geologists and researchers to join their forces against the menace.

Mr Kwame Pianim suggested that authorities should stop the issuance of mining licenses until the right things are done.

He argued that the Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Minerals Commission are not doing enough to tackle the menace.

He believes the President should have dismissed the heads of all these institutions for their collective failure.