The Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has urged political parties to demonstrate their commitment to combating illegal mining by signing a binding national anti-galamsey pact.
He called on religious leaders to lead the process of developing this pact, which should provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the galamsey issue.
Dr. Prempeh made this appeal at the 13th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowship, stressing the need for political parties to prioritise the fight against galamsey ahead of the December 7 elections.
The Pact he suggested must provide a roadmap that will help us find long-lasting solutions to the menace of galaxies.
The conference was held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
He referenced past incidents where NDC officials were reportedly seen encouraging illegal mining and promising to allow them to mine.
He also referenced Mahama’s 2020 promise to grant amnesty to imprisoned illegal miners if elected, questioning his stance on the issue.
He said Mr. Mahama has not outlined any detailed plan in addressing galamsey compared to the NPP’s 2024 manifesto, which includes a detailed plan to combat illegal mining, promote responsible small-scale mining, and protect the environment and water bodies.
He concluded by challenging the NDC to tell Ghanaians what their blueprint would be on delaying with galamsey.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
