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Jesse Kwao

A month ago

ELECTION 2024: MINING WILL CONTINUE, BUT WATER BODIES WILL BE PROTECTED – NAPO

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Politics

A month ago


Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has underscored the party's commitment to striking a balance between mining activities and environmental protection as the country heads toward the 2024 general elections. Speaking on Accra-based Peace FM on Wednesday, October 16, Prempeh addressed the ongoing concerns about illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has wreaked havoc on Ghana's natural resources, particularly its water bodies and forests.
 
Prempeh acknowledged that while mining remains a vital sector of the Ghanaian economy, it is critical to ensure that it is done responsibly. His comments sought to reassure the public that the government would not compromise on environmental conservation, especially in sensitive areas such as water bodies and forest reserves. However, he made it clear that mining activities, including small-scale and community mining, would continue, albeit with stricter regulations to mitigate environmental damage.
"We will never stop mining. Mining has given the country a lot of benefits; how else would we be able to implement the Gold-for-oil Policy?" Prempeh stated, alluding to the important role the mining sector plays in national economic policies. He stressed that the benefits derived from mining, such as foreign exchange and job creation, are too significant to halt the industry entirely. Nonetheless, he was emphatic that mining would not be allowed in areas critical to the nation's ecological balance, such as water bodies and forest reserves.
 
Prempeh's remarks reflect the NPP government's position on addressing the dual challenge of maintaining a thriving mining sector while protecting the environment. He noted that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's administration had already introduced several measures aimed at promoting responsible mining. One such initiative, the introduction of "gold catchers," was designed to extract higher quantities of gold without further degrading the environment. The use of gold catchers, according to Prempeh, is a clear example of how technology can be leveraged to make mining more sustainable.
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In addition to technological solutions, Prempeh pointed out the need to regulate harmful practices that contribute to environmental degradation, particularly the use of chemicals like mercury in small-scale mining. Mercury, widely used in illegal mining, poses a serious threat to both the environment and public health, contaminating water sources and affecting the livelihoods of communities. Prempeh emphasized that the government would continue to equip miners with the necessary resources and training to carry out mining activities in an environmentally responsible manner.
"We will implement policies that will equip miners, be it community mining or small-scale mining, with resources for them to mine responsibly and restore the environment," Prempeh stated. This approach, he explained, would not only allow mining to continue but also ensure that future generations would benefit from a healthier environment. By promoting responsible mining practices, the NPP hopes to curb the negative effects of galamsey while still capitalizing on the economic benefits of the mining sector.
Prempeh also touched on the broader significance of environmental conservation, citing the proverb "as the last tree dies, the last man dies" to highlight the critical role forests and water bodies play in sustaining life. He reminded Ghanaians of the importance of water, stating that "water is life," and stressed that areas like the desert, which lack water, are uninhabitable. In this vein, he pledged that the NPP, if re-elected, would prioritize the protection of the country's natural resources while ensuring that mining, a key economic activity, is carried out in a sustainable manner.
 
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh's remarks reflect the NPP's balanced approach to mining and environmental protection as the 2024 elections approach. While mining will not be entirely halted, stricter regulations and policies will be put in place to protect water bodies and forests from further degradation. This approach seeks to maintain the economic benefits of mining while safeguarding Ghana's natural resources for future generations. The upcoming elections will likely see environmental and economic issues such as these take center stage as Ghanaians consider the future of both their economy and environment.

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