The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has pledged that a future NPP government would return all seized excavators confiscated during the crackdown on illegal mining.
Speaking to the chiefs and residents of Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor in the Western Region, Dr. Opoku Prempeh also emphasized that the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has no intention of banning small-scale mining.
This assurance comes in response to mounting calls for the government to impose a ban on small-scale mining to curb the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities, particularly to water bodies.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh reassured the mining communities that the NPP is committed to allowing small-scale miners to operate freely, provided their activities do not harm the environment or pollute water bodies.
He underscored the party’s belief in regulating the sector rather than imposing outright 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.
“We will give all seized excavators to you so you can do your work peacefully. This will help everyone to get money to fend for themselves and also for the community to develop. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will not collapse small-scale mining.
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.”
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