New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has called for an immediate, nationwide suspension of all mining activities for 90 days to help restore Ghana’s polluted water bodies.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, October 15, Dr. Acheampong said Ghana must take bold and decisive action to protect its natural resources, even if it comes with financial costs.
“Everybody should stop mining in this country. Regardless of the financial consequences, we have to agree that for the next 90 days—during the rainy season—we should stop mining,” he said.
He clarified that his proposal was not a call for a state of emergency, but rather a national consensus to allow for environmental recovery.
“Let’s clear our water bodies and then engage on how we go back to mining. I am not talking about a state of emergency, but mining, regardless of where, should stop now,” he stated.
Dr. Acheampong likened the current situation to attempting to fix a train in motion, stressing the need for a complete halt before meaningful progress can be made.
“We cannot repair the tyre or the truck of a moving train. As long as it is speeding, we need to agree to stop,” he added.
His comments come amid renewed public concern over the devastating effects of illegal mining, or galamsey, on Ghana’s rivers, forests, and rural communities.
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