Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has pledged to eradicate illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana. He vowed all his government appointees will be prohibited from engaging in legal or illegal mining.
Speaking to clergy members during ‘Mahama’s Fellowship with the Clergy’ on Tuesday, October 1, in East Legon, Accra, Mahama emphasized that his administration will audit all issued mining concessions to identify beneficiary owners, who will be held accountable for any illegal mining within their concessions. He assured that those found guilty will face consequences, including revocation of their mining concessions.
“We will audit all mining concessions that have been issued and identify the beneficial owners of such concessions, the concession owners will be held responsible for any illegal mining that takes place within their concession area,” he said.
Mahama vowed to wage war against galamsey while promoting responsible mining practices through an aggressive “Tree for Life and Blue Water” initiative. This program aims to reclaim polluted water bodies, degraded lands, and devastated forest reserves.
Additionally, Mahama promised that his administration will amend minerals and mining laws to punish individuals mining in water bodies. Mr Mahama assured that all government appointees will be prohibited from engaging in both legal and illegal mining. Any appointee interested in mining must relinquish their government position.
“Under my government all appointees will be prohibited from engaging in legal or illegal mining, if you want to mine go and mine and you can’t serve in my administration at the same time,” he added.
Mahama’s commitment aims to restore Ghana’s natural resources and ensure sustainable development.