Adjei Baffour Acquah, the National PRO of the Mining Committee for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has laid out a transformative vision for illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana. He asserts that an NDC-led government would take focused measures to train those involved in illegal mining, equipping them with the necessary skills to operate sustainably and minimize environmental impacts, particularly water pollution. Acquah argues that the current convoluted process for obtaining mining concessions through the Minerals Commission in Accra majorly hinders legal mining operations. To rectify this, he proposes a decentralization of the Commission’s functions, making it more accessible for potential miners in local districts, thus facilitating a more straightforward application process.
Highlighting the socio-economic pressures that drive individuals toward illegal mining, Acquah reflects on the necessity of providing alternatives through training and support. The NDC plans to collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant institutions to offer guidance on responsible mining practices that safeguard the environment. He emphasizes a shift from employing military and security forces to combat illegal mining towards a more constructive approach—deploying safety officers and mining engineers who can educate miners about safer operational practices. Acquah suggests that a formal concession system would promote better oversight and regulation in the mining sector, reinforcing the idea that responsible mining is possible without compromising water quality and other environmental factors.
The NDC’s agenda further involves implementing policies aimed at preventing illegal mining from resulting in the deterioration of rivers and water bodies—a point Acquah criticizes the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for neglecting. He argues that under the current administration, significant water pollution has occurred, impacting the health and safety of communities relying on these resources. By contrast, he assures that the NDC’s approach will prioritize job creation for young people in rural areas through regulated and responsible mining practices. This will not only mitigate the adverse effects of illegal mining but also provide sustainable employment opportunities, allowing necessary economic activities to thrive alongside environmental preservation.
Moreover, Acquah addresses the NDC’s broader economic vision, encompassing a commitment to a 24-hour economy. This policy aims to facilitate diverse job opportunities beyond the mining sector and support businesses willing to adopt continuous operational models. He emphasizes the need for local businesses to flourish and create jobs, ensuring that communities can become less reliant on illegal mining. The NDC is pledged to assist these enterprises in achieving operational capacity through appropriate resources and strategies, ultimately leading to a thriving economic landscape in which both formal and informal sectors can co-exist more harmoniously.
In a critical comparison, Acquah takes a jab at the NPP for its inadequate handling of illegal mining issues that have led to irreversible harm to various water bodies in Ghana. He stresses that the NDC’s dedicated focus on responsible mining practices represents a stark difference from the previous administration’s shortcomings. By promoting a model of coexistence between extractive activities and conservation, the NDC aims to restore the ecological health of lakes and rivers—resources that are vital for community survival and growth. Acquah’s vision underscores the importance of governance that aligns economic development with environmental stewardship.
Concluding his address, Acquah accentuates the NDC’s past successes in developing healthcare infrastructure, proclaiming that there has been no other government in Ghana that has matched their contributions to healthcare improvement. This statement is intended to bolster confidence in the NDC’s capabilities to implement effective mining regulations and policies that will not only protect the environment but also foster economic growth and community well-being. Through careful planning and engagement with stakeholders in the mining industry, Acquah believes the NDC can lead Ghana towards a sustainable future where economic activities do not compromise the ecology or the health of its populace.
