Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Running Mate of the NPP, has called on political parties to demonstrate their commitment to tackling the devastating effects of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, by signing a “binding national anti-Galamsey pact.”
Speaking at the 13th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowship, held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he urged religious leaders, particularly the church, to spearhead efforts to engage all key stakeholders in developing the proposed pact.
According to Dr. Opoku Prempeh, this agreement should outline a comprehensive roadmap for finding long-term solutions to the galamsey crisis, which poses a severe threat to human life.
He also took the opportunity to stress the importance of religious harmony, advocating for peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths as a foundation for collective prosperity and progress.
He charged christians to stand as beacons of peace and unity especially now that the December elections approaches, he emphasized that elections should not divide the people. “They should remind us of the strength in our diversity and the collective responsibility we share in shaping the future of our nation”.
NAPO noted that as the nation heads to the polls on December 7, and given the overwhelming national conversation around Galamsey, it was important for political parties to demonstrate their commitments to the Galamsey fight by signing such binding pact, hinged on national consensus on the matter.
The NPP Running Mate was however quick to assure the church and indeed, all Ghanaians, that, his party remains unwaveringly committed to the Galamsey fight notwithstanding the recent setbacks. The NPP, according to him, would have no hesitation in signing such a pact, as a reaffirmation of their commitment.
He added that the NPP has, in its 2024 Manifesto, outlined a comprehensive roadmap to dealing with Galamsey and usher in a golden age for Ghanaian-owned small-scale mining for wealth and jobs, while promoting responsible and sustainable mining that will safeguard the environment and protect water bodies.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh however expressed deep concern that till date, the main opposition party and their perpetual flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, have not been heard clearly articulating how they intend to deal with the menace.
He challenged them to bring out their blueprint for the sector for Ghanaians to scrutinize and make informed decisions. In particular, he urged them to commit to signing the proposed national anti-Galamsey pact.