Napo Urges NDC, All Political Parties to Sign Binding National Anti-Galamsey Pact
Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the NPP has, in the wake of growing concerns about the ravaging impacts of illegal mining, popularly known as Galamsey on the nation, charged the various political parties particularly the NDC, to demonstrate their commitment to fighting the canker by signing what he described as a “binding national anti-Galamsey pact”.
He specifically urged religious leaders including the church to lead the process of engaging all relevant stakeholders in the sector to develop the said national anti-Galamsey pact, which according to him, should detail a comprehensive roadmap to finding permanent solutions to the Galamsey menace, which is threatening the very existence of the human race.
Napo, as he is affectionately called, made this call when he was 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 noted that as the nation heads to the polls on December 7, and given the overwhelming national conversation around Galamsey, it was important for the political parties to demonstrate their commitments to the Galamsey fight by signing such binding pact, hinged on national consensus on the matter.
Dr Prempeh said this call was very important because in his view, past incidents and statements on the subject matter makes him wonder if indeed the former President is committed to fighting the canker. In 2020, some leading big wigs of the NDC were captured on a video footage touring and encouraging illegal miners to continue the menace, asking them to vote the NDC to protect their illegality. This event according to Dr. Prempeh led to the NPP losing most of its parliamentary seats in the mining communities because the people saw the NDC as a friend and the NPP the enemy.
Dr. Prempeh also cited John Mahama’s promise to grant amnesty to all ‘galamsey’ miners imprisoned under the Akufo-Addo-led government if he won the election. Speaking at Odum Banso in the Mpohor Constituency in the Western Region on October 22, 2020, Mr. Mahama questioned the incarceration of Ghanaians for mining offenses.
The NPP Vice Presidential Candidate 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 Bawumiah Napo led NPP, according to him, would have no hesitation in signing such 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. Prempeh however expressed deep concerns that till date, the main opposition party and their perpetual flagbearer, H.E John Dramani Mahama, have not been heard clearly articulating how they intend to deal with the menace. He challenged them to bring out with 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 and campaign against illegal mining and put Ghan first.
