Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves, while promoting responsible mining practices.
Addressing concerns about the environmental impact of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” Dr. Prempeh clarified that mining activities will continue but not in ecologically sensitive areas such as water bodies and forest reserves.
In an interview with Peace FM on Wednesday, October 16, Dr. Prempeh highlighted the importance of mining to Ghana’s economy, noting its contribution to national development.
“We will never stop mining. Mining has provided significant benefits for the country; it plays a crucial role in implementing policies like the Gold-for-Oil Policy. However, mining will not be allowed in water bodies and forest reserves,” he explained.
He further emphasized that the government is focused on equipping miners, particularly in community and small-scale mining, with the necessary resources to ensure responsible practices that prioritize environmental restoration.
“We are against the use of harmful chemicals like mercury that damage the environment. Under President Nana Addo’s government, we introduced gold catchers, which have enabled us to extract more gold without harming the ecosystem,” Dr. Prempeh stated.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding natural resources, adding, “As the saying goes, water is life, and if the last tree dies, the last man dies. This is why you don’t see people living in deserts. We will protect our forests and water bodies, but responsible mining will continue.”