The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been urged to present a clear plan to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, ahead of the 2024 elections.
Hon. John Kwame Duodu, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) First Vice Chairman for Atwima Nwabiagya South Constituency, made this call, emphasizing that galamsey is a critical national concern threatening Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and natural resources.
Mr Duodu popularly called ‘Sir John’ commended NPP Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for outlining a comprehensive plan to combat galamsey, including law enforcement, technological solutions, alternative livelihoods, and collaboration with traditional authorities and local communities.
He stressed that the fight against galamsey requires commitment from all political actors and urged the NDC and its Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, to provide a clear, pragmatic solution to this crisis.
Duodu noted that merely criticizing the current administration’s efforts without offering a better alternative is insufficient, and Ghanaians deserve to know each candidate’s plan for protecting the environment.
Read Sir John’s full statement below
CALL FOR ACTION: NDC MUST PRESENT CLEAR PLAN TO COMBAT GALAMSAY – JOHN KWAME DUODU.
Statement from John Kwame Duodu, NPP First Vice Chairman, Atwima Nwabiagya South Constituency
The issue of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is a critical national concern that threatens our environment, water bodies, and the very future of our natural resources. As a nation, we have seen the devastating impact of this activity on our rivers, lands, and communities. It is therefore important that as we approach the 2024 elections, every presidential candidate presents clear, actionable strategies on how they plan to address this menace.
In this regard, I commend the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for boldly outlining his comprehensive plan to combat *galamsey* and restore our environment. Dr. Bawumia has made it clear that his administration will not only enforce the laws but will also introduce technological solutions, provide alternative livelihoods, and work in collaboration with traditional authorities and local communities to ensure that the fight against illegal mining is sustainable.
However, this fight cannot be won by the NPP alone. It is a national issue that requires the commitment of every political actor. This is why I urge the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, to also come forward with their plan on how they intend to tackle *galamsey* if given the mandate. The NDC owes it to the people of Ghana to provide a clear, pragmatic solution to this crisis, just as the NPP has done.
The people of Ghana deserve to know how each candidate plans to protect our environment for future generations. Merely criticizing the efforts of the current administration without offering a better alternative is not enough. We need real, practical solutions that will address the root causes of *galamsey* and ensure that our natural resources are used responsibly for the benefit of all.
In conclusion, the fight against illegal mining should be a non-partisan issue. We expect all presidential candidates, including John Mahama, to outline their vision and concrete measures for addressing *galamsey*. The NPP has taken the lead with Dr. Bawumia’s plan, and it is now up to the NDC to follow suit.
Ghanaians are watching, and they will vote for the candidate who has the best plan for the future of our environment and our country.
Thank you.
John Kwame Duodu
First Vice Chairman
NPP, Atwima Nwabiagya South Constituency
Report By: Adwenpa-Hene
