Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, vice-presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has assured mining communities that a future NPP administration will return all excavators confiscated during the government’s war against illegal mining.
During his visit to Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor in the Western Region, Dr. Opoku Prempeh stated that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate, had no plans to ban small-scale mining. Instead, he emphasised the party’s commitment to regulate the sector in order to reduce environmental damage.
“We will give all seized excavators to you so you can do your work peacefully. This will help everyone to get money to fend for themselves and also for the community to develop. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will not collapse small-scale mining”, he revealed.
His statements come as the government is under increasing pressure to restrict small-scale mining operations in order to address the environmental damage caused by unlawful activities, particularly water pollution. However, Dr. Opoku Prempeh reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to assisting small-scale miners who follow ecologically sustainable procedures. He emphasised that the party favours a balanced approach to managing the mining industry, arguing for regulation rather than outright prohibition.
“What we do not like is that you put a changfan on water bodies, but anyone interested in the government’s community mining scheme will be able to mine”,he voiced.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
