Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has stated that Dr Mahamamud Bawumia’s six policies on galamsey as outlined in the NPP 2024 Manifesto will help tackle menace in the country.
Speaking at an Election Dialogue organized by the Law Students Association of the Ghana Institute of Public Administration (GIMPA), Nkrumah emphasized that previous strategies have only provided temporary relief and failed to eradicate illegal mining.
He asserted that, if elected, Bawumia will implement a comprehensive plan, starting with investments in geological investigations to identify mineral zones and reduce unnecessary environmental degradation.
“This will enable identifying exactly where gold lies to prevent unnecessary digging and degradation of lands and resources,” Nkrumah explained.
In addition to geological investigations, the initiatives include establishing a Minerals Development Bank to provide financing and machinery for proper mining practices.
Nkrumah also highlighted the importance of involving traditional leaders, stating, “If they don’t approve it, you can’t mine there.”
Bawumia’s six point plan to end galamsey
1. Invest in Geological Investigations
Conduct studies to identify mineral zones accurately, reducing unnecessary digging and land degradation.
2. Establish a Minerals Development Bank
Provide proper financing for miners to access machinery and support best practices in mining.
3. Involve Traditional Leaders and District Assemblies
Make chiefs and district assemblies integral to the mining concession approval process.
4. Resource the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC)
Establish more gold buying centers at mine gates to support the gold purchase program (GPP), gold for oil (GFO), and gold for currency (GFF).
5. Enhance Community Mining
Strengthen community mining initiatives to promote responsible mining practices.
6. Enforce Mining Regulations
Implement and enforce laws to regulate mining activities effectively.
