Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Vice-Presidential Candidate, has assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to protecting water bodies and forest reserves, while promoting responsible mining practices.
Responding to concerns over the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, or “galamsey,” Dr. Prempeh clarified that mining would continue as a key economic driver, but not at the expense of Ghana’s natural resources.
“We will never stop mining,” Dr. Prempeh stated during an interview on Peace FM on Wednesday, October 16, monitored by adwoaadubianews, emphasizing the sector’s importance to the economy, particularly in sustaining initiatives like the Gold-for-Oil policy. However, he assured the public that mining would be prohibited in ecologically sensitive areas such as water bodies and forest reserves.
He underscored the government’s focus on promoting environmentally friendly mining practices, noting that community and small-scale miners would be equipped with the necessary resources to minimize environmental damage. “We don’t like the use of mercury and other harmful substances. It was Nana Addo’s government that introduced gold catchers, which have increased gold yields while reducing environmental harm,” he said.
Dr. Prempeh also reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting critical resources. “Water is life, and as the last tree dies, the last man dies. We will protect the forest and water bodies, but mining will continue responsibly,” he added.
