Alan Kyerematen, presidential candidate for the Alliance for Revolutionary Change, alongside his running mate Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD) and senior members of the Afrafranto Alliance, unveiled a bold 10-point plan to eliminate illegal mining (Galamsey) in Ghana. The plan, presented on Sunday, September 28, at the Ghana International Press Centre, aims to tackle one of the country’s most critical environmental and socio-economic challenges.
In his address, Kyerematen acknowledged the severe destruction caused by Galamsey, describing it as an “existential threat” to Ghana. He pointed to the widespread damage to water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands, attributing it to decades of mismanagement by both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) governments.
“The two dominant political parties have shown neither the competence nor the political will to address Galamsey,” Kyerematen said.
The key element of Kyerematen’s plan is a one-year complete ban on all small-scale and community mining activities, both legal and illegal. This moratorium, he explained, would offer the country time to assess and reform its mining practices. During the ban, all mining machinery would be inventoried and stored by the military’s 48 Engineer’s Regiment.
In addition to the ban, Kyerematen proposed an aggressive environmental restoration campaign. Under the supervision of the Water Resources Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies, efforts would focus on restoring degraded river bodies and farmlands. The forestry sector would also lead a plantation development initiative to rehabilitate damaged ecosystems before mining can resume.
One of the more drastic measures in Kyerematen’s plan is the cancellation of all small-scale mining licenses issued in the last 15 years. He called for a comprehensive audit of these licenses to expose corruption, illegal issuance, and non-compliance with regulations. “We must correct past mistakes to build a sustainable future,” he stated.
Kyerematen’s vision includes shifting to responsible mining practices. His plan introduces a Youth in Responsible Mining Initiative, transforming young people previously involved in Galamsey into legal, environmentally conscious miners. These youth-led companies would receive government support, including seed funding, equipment, and technical guidance to establish commercially viable, sustainable mining businesses.
The plan also includes the creation of Citizens Mining Protection Rights Groups in mining communities. These groups would serve as watchdogs, ensuring that all mining activities adhere to environmental standards and regulations, with local communities actively involved in monitoring compliance.
One of the toughest elements of Kyerematen’s proposal is a new law imposing life imprisonment for those caught mining in river bodies or forest reserves. He stressed that only strict penalties would effectively deter illegal mining once legal pathways for responsible mining are established.
Kyerematen’s 10-point plan is part of a broader strategy outlined in his Great Transformational Plan (GTP). Over the long term, his government would review all legislation related to natural resource management, streamline regulatory agencies, and boost local content in mining operations. His ultimate vision is to position Ghana as a mineral processing hub for West Africa.
With these sweeping reforms, Kyerematen is confident that Ghana can overcome the Galamsey crisis and restore its natural environment. “We have the resources, the will, and the plan to make Ghana great again,” he declared.
In closing, Kyerematen called on all Ghanaians to support his vision, promising that his government would leave no stone unturned in eradicating Galamsey. “Together, we will end this menace and build a sustainable future for our children,” he vowed.