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“What we do not like is that you put a changfan on water bodies, but anyone interested in the government’s community mining scheme will be able to mine” Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh advises miners in Ghana.
Speaking to chiefs and residents of Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor in the Western Region, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the vice presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has assured them that a future NPP government would return all seized excavators confiscated during the crackdown on illegal mining. He also emphasized that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s flagbearer, has no intention of outlawing small-scale mining. These comments come in response to growing calls for the government to impose a ban on small-scale mining in order to curb the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities, particularly to water bodies.
In order to ensure that small-scale miners’ operations do not negatively impact the environment or contaminate water bodies, Dr. Opoku Prempeh gave the mining community peace of mind.
He emphasized that the party prefers to regulate the industry over enacting total bans.
“When the small-scale miners mine, they are able to get money to fend for their families. Small-scale miners vote for the NDC to win about 6 seats in Wassa, but now they [the NDC] say they will shoot and kill small-scale miners. Tell them the lies are enough. We will not shoot and kill anyone.
“In order for you to work in peace, we will give you all of the excavators that we have taken. In addition to helping the community grow, this will assist everyone earn money to fend for themselves. Small-scale mining won’t be destroyed by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
