Former President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the upcoming 2024 elections, has pledged to take decisive action against illegal mining, known as galamsey, if re-elected on December 7, 2024.
In a recent meeting with religious leaders in Accra on October 1, 2024, Mahama unveiled his strategy for tackling the environmental damage caused by illegal small-scale mining. His proposal includes conducting a thorough audit of all mining concessions to pinpoint beneficial owners, who would be held accountable for any illegal activities in their areas.
Mahama emphasized that his administration would prohibit new mining leases in forest reserves and strengthen regulations surrounding mining operations near water bodies, advocating for stricter penalties for violations through amendments to the Minerals and Mining Law.
“We will compel small-scale miners to undertake skills training in modern responsible methods and land reclamation techniques as part of their operations to minimize environmental harm,” Mahama noted.
He also plans to introduce initiatives like “Tree for Life and Blue Water” aimed at restoring polluted waterways and rehabilitating degraded lands.
Additionally, he asserted that all public officials, including politicians, would be barred from engaging in any form of mining, whether legal or illegal. Mahama proposed that small-scale miners undergo training in modern, responsible mining techniques and land reclamation practices to reduce environmental impacts.
Beyond addressing mining issues, Mahama discussed enhancing the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. He suggested establishing a dedicated funding source, eliminating the double-track system, and decentralizing food procurement to ensure quality education for all students.
Source: tigpost.co
