Napo urges political parties to sign anti-galamsey pact ahead of elections

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the vice-presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged all political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to demonstrate their commitment to ending illegal mining (galamsey) by signing a “binding national anti-galamsey pact.”

Speaking at the 13th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Methodist Men’s Fellowship at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on 14 September 2024, Dr Opoku Prempeh called on religious leaders, especially the church, to lead the charge in uniting key stakeholders to draft this pact.

He emphasised that the agreement should outline a sustainable strategy to tackle the galamsey menace, which poses a significant environmental and human threat.

With the December 2024 national elections drawing closer and the galamsey issue being a central concern, Napo urged political parties to show their commitment by agreeing to this pact, based on a national consensus. He reiterated that the NPP is ready to sign such an agreement, as the party remains dedicated to eradicating illegal mining, despite challenges.

Napo highlighted that the NPP’s 2024 manifesto contains detailed plans to address galamsey and promote a “golden age” for small-scale mining, benefiting the economy while adhering to environmentally responsible practices.

Expressing concerns about the opposition, Napo criticised the NDC for not clearly outlining its approach to illegal mining and challenged them to present their strategy.

He specifically called on the NDC, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, to sign the proposed national pact, ensuring that all parties are aligned in tackling galamsey.

“Water is life, and we must all raise our voices. No one should mine irresponsibly or illegally. No one should be allowed to mine in our river bodies. We are not a lawless country,” Dr Opoku Prempeh said.

He further highlighted the importance of responsible small-scale mining, noting, “The Lord placed more gold on this earth than anything else because it’s meant for development, not destruction. When the last tree dies, the last man dies.”

Napo also criticised former President Mahama for allegedly promising amnesty to illegal miners, calling such a move irresponsible. He urged political parties to prioritize the country’s welfare and avoid politically motivated promises that could undermine efforts to combat illegal mining.

He concluded by outlining the NPP’s accomplishments, including Free SHS, job creation, and healthcare initiatives, stating that the NPP is committed to continuing its work for the nation’s development.

Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom, Kumasi

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