A/R: Demonstrate Commitment to the Fight Against ‘Galamsey’ by Signing a Binding Anti -Galamsey Pact- NAPO charges All Political Parties

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the NPP has, in the wake of growing concerns about the ravaging impacts of illegal mining, popularly known as Galamsey on the nation, charged the various political parties particularly the NDC, to demonstrate their commitment to fighting the canker by signing what he described as a “binding national anti-Galamsey pact”.

Speaking at the 13th Biennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowship, held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he specifically urged religious leaders including the church to lead the process of engaging all relevant stakeholders in the sector to develop the said national anti-Galamsey pact, which according to him, should detail a comprehensive roadmap to finding permanent solutions to the Galamsey menace, which is threatening the very existence of the human race.

Addressing the formal opening of the 13th Biennial Conference and 40th Anniversary of the Association of Methodist Men’s Fellowships in Kumasi, he used the opportunity to emphasize the need for religious harmony where we live in peaceful co-existence with one another, irrespective of our religious persuasions, advancing a common cause for our shared prosperity and progress.

As the December elections approaches, he made the point that, Christians must stand as beacons of peace and unity.

Elections should not divide us; they should remind us of the strength in our diversity and the collective responsibility we share in shaping the future of our nation.

He noted that as the nation heads to the polls on December 7, and given the overwhelming national conversation around Galamsey, it was important for the political parties to demonstrate their commitments to the Galamsey fight by signing such binding pact, hinged on national consensus on the matter.

The NPP Vice Presidential Candidate was however quick to assure the church and indeed, all Ghanaians, that, his party remains unwaveringly committed to the Galamsey fight notwithstanding the recent setbacks.

The NPP, according to him, would have no hesitation in signing such pact, as a reaffirmation of their commitment.

He added that the NPP has, in its 2024 Manifesto, outlined a comprehensive roadmap to dealing with Galamsey and usher in a golden age for Ghanaian-owned small-scale mining for wealth and jobs, while promoting responsible and sustainable mining that will safeguard the environment and protect water bodies.

Dr. Prempeh however expressed deep concerns that till date, the main opposition party and their perpetual flagbearer, H.E John Dramani Mahama, have not been heard clearly articulating how they intend to deal with the menace. He challenged them to bring out their blueprint for the sector for Ghanaians to scrutinize and make informed decisions. In particular, he urged them to commit to signing the proposed national anti-Galamsey pact.