NDC has practical solutions to illegal mining — Adjei Baffour Acquah

The National PRO Mining Committee for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Adjei Baffour Acquah, has stated that an NDC government would focus on teaching those who engage in galamsey (illegal mining) to work in such a way that they won’t pollute waters.

Mr. Acquah said that due to the long process of acquiring a concession at the Minerals Commission in Accra, it would be very easy and simple if the Commission’s operations were decentralized to the mining districts so that everyone could apply for it.

“Most of the people are doing galamsey because they need to survive,” he noted, adding that the NDC will ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other institutions monitor and guide them on the basics of responsible mining to avoid the destruction and pollution of our waters.

“We’ve been trying to stop this illegal mining for so long with the military and other security agencies but to no avail. The only solution is to get the safety officers and mining engineers to direct them on how to mine,” he said.

“You cannot control nor monitor them if they do not have a concession. The NDC government has pledged to help the need for responsible mining practices without polluting the waters,” he added.

He said the next NDC government will put structures and policies together to ensure that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, does not destroy river bodies and other water sources like in other countries.

According to him, unlike the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government that has overseen the destruction of many water bodies as a result of illegal mining, the NDC will instead modify the trade to ensure that jobs are created for the youth in the hinterland.

“We are bringing good policies and structures to ensure that illegal mining is done without destroying water bodies like it is done in other advanced countries. We know there is galamsey happening in Ghana, but the next NDC government will put good policies together to ensure responsible mining devoid of the destruction of water bodies while also creating the needed jobs.”

“The NPP government has failed in the fight against illegal mining, overseeing the destruction of many water bodies and rivers. The 24-hour economy policy will also ensure that the needed jobs are created, which will also benefit those who cannot do galamsey.

“We are also ready to support individuals who have established businesses to also employ more and run a 24-hour system,” he further indicated.

He also touted the achievements of the NDC in terms of health infrastructure, adding that no government has been able to do that.