The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for the December 2024 elections, John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized the dire consequences of illegal mining, or “galamsey,” activities.
Should he win the presidential elections on December 7, Mahama proposes the establishment of a national joint action team on mining and forestry to tackle this issue.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, Mahama expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by illegal mining.
He stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts and decisive actions to address the challenges posed by this activity.
Mahama highlighted severe environmental degradation resulting from galamsey, emphasizing Ghana’s urgent need for intervention. Despite widespread devastation, only a few benefit, prompting Mahama to call for collective efforts to address this inequality and safeguard the nation’s natural resources.
Mahama pledged to formulate a new vision for the mining sector focused on reclaiming degraded lands, restoring environmental integrity, and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits. He underscored the importance of reclaiming damaged lands and harnessing Ghana’s natural environment for sustainable development.
To address the issue, Mahama proposed establishing a National Joint Action Team on Mining and Forestry, comprising the Forestry Commission, private sector, and small-scale mining (SSM) operators. This collaboration aims to rehabilitate impacted forests and create jobs in affected mining communities.
Mahama also announced plans to launch an #Atree4life initiative in mining communities, encouraging tree planting among the youth to mitigate environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities.
“A Galamsey Rehabilitation Initiative will work to convert impacted lands into commercial crop production zones, such as palm, shea nut, cocoa and rubber plantations. This will be funded through special fees from the Minerals Commission, contributions by the SSM Association, and interested plantation companies.”
“I will launch a #Atree4life project through which re-afforestation by young people in mining areas will become an economically engaging activity. They will supervise the growth of these economically viable tree crops.” he added.