Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to supporting small-scale miners by empowering them to practice responsible mining. He assured voters that, under the next NPP government, there will be no ban on small-scale mining, but rather measures to help miners expand their operations responsibly.
Speaking to a crowd of community members and party supporters in the Manso Adubia constituency of the Ashanti Region, the former Energy Minister, also known as NAPO, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between regulated, responsible mining and illegal activities that harm the environment, including the destruction of forests and water bodies. He outlined the NPP’s revised strategy to combat illegal mining, signaling a major shift in the government’s approach to addressing the issue.
As part of his campaign tour in Ashanti, Dr. Prempeh visited several churches in the constituency, where he expressed his gratitude to the congregations for their prayers and support for the NPP.
He acknowledged the spiritual backing the churches have offered, not just for himself and the Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, but for the entire party.
During his visits, he reminded the congregants of the NPP’s strong performance while in government, particularly in sectors like agriculture.
In his address, NAPO also shared Dr. Bawumia’s vision for the mining industry, which includes the establishment of a Minerals Development Bank in collaboration with the private sector.
This initiative, he explained, is designed to provide financial backing to miners, enabling sustainable growth and the promotion of responsible mining practices.
Dr. Prempeh reassured supporters that the next NPP administration would no longer rely on bans to curb illegal mining but would instead implement supportive policies for lawful mining operations.
He disclosed that the proposed ‘Minerals Development Bank’ would offer crucial financial assistance to miners, helping them adopt responsible practices while minimizing the harassment often faced by small-scale miners.
Highlighting the NPP’s strong record in economic development, NAPO pointed to the government’s success in sectors like cocoa production, which saw Ghana achieve its highest-ever output of over one million metric tonnes during the 2020/2021 crop season.
He credited this achievement to the government’s strategic investments in the agricultural sector, including initiatives that have improved the livelihoods of cocoa farmers through incentives and support.
Dr. Prempeh also met with local community members, educating them on the dangers of illegal mining and its harmful effects on the environment. He promised to introduce ‘ommunity mining’ initiatives, which would provide a safer and more regulated alternative for small-scale miners, ensuring that Ghana’s mineral resources are managed sustainably to benefit both the people and the economy.
The clergy, during his visits, offered prayers for divine protection over NAPO, Dr. Bawumia, and the entire NPP as they continue their campaign ahead of the upcoming elections.
Dr. Prempeh reiterated the party’s dedication to harnessing the country’s mineral resources in a way that fosters economic growth while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
