Sign anti-galamsey pact to show dedication to the fight – NAPO to NDC

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, has, in the wake of growing concerns about the ravaging impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on Ghana, charged the various political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress, to demonstrate their commitment to fighting the canker by signing a “binding national anti-galamsey pact”.

He urged the religious leaders to lead the process of engaging all the parties and other relevant stakeholders to commit to this pact, which he noted, will detail a comprehensive and permanent solution to the galamsey menace threatening the nation.

NAPO, as he is affectionately called, made this call while addressing, as the Guest of Honour, the 13th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowship held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

He stated, as the nation heads to the polls on December 7 and given the overwhelming national conversation on galamsey, it's important for the parties to collectively join forces to fight this mining challenge.

He stressed the anti-galamsey pact which, to him, will be binding on the parties will primarily hinge on building national consensus on the matter.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh assured Ghanaians of the NPP's unwavering commitment to the galamsey fight notwithstanding the recent setbacks.

The Bawumia/Napo administration, according to him, wouldn't hesitate to sign this pact to reaffirm their position on the issue.

He added that the NPP has, in its 2024 manifesto, outlined a roadmap to deal with the galamsey and usher in a golden age for Ghanaian-owned small-scale mining businesses to create wealth and jobs while promoting responsible and sustainable mining safeguarding the environment and water bodies.

Dr. Prempeh however expressed deep concerns that the main opposition party and their flagbearer, H.E John Dramani Mahama, have till date not articulated clearly their intention to deal with the menace.

He challenged them to bring out with their blueprint for the sector for Ghanaians to scrutinize and make informed decision and urged them specifically to commit to signing the proposed national anti-galamsey pact as well as be seen campaigning against illegal mining.