Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has issued a strong stance against illegal mining, warning that no member of his future administration will be permitted to engage in mining activities.
Speaking at the Governance Forum in Accra on Thursday, October 31, Mr. Mahama emphasized his commitment to ending “galamsey” (illegal small-scale mining) and implementing policies to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Mr. Mahama stressed that to combat illegal mining effectively, stringent measures must be taken, starting from within the government.
He asserted that members of his administration would be barred from any mining activities.
“Only sustainable and responsible mining will be permitted under my administration. I am firm on this—none of my appointees will be allowed to engage in mining. You can’t serve as both a miner and a government official,” he declared.
Additionally, Mr. Mahama pledged to put an end to all mining activities within Ghana’s forest reserves, citing the devastating impact of such operations on the country’s water sources.
“Our water bodies originate from these reserves, and allowing mining in these protected areas is tantamount to destroying our natural water supply. Galamsey will be addressed head-on, and mining in forest reserves will be strictly prohibited,” he affirmed.
The Governance Forum, held as part of the #MahamaConversations initiative under the theme “Resetting Ghana for Good Governance and Accountability”, highlighted Mr. Mahama’s concerns that Ghana is at a pivotal moment.
He addressed the current state of governance, describing a nation gripped by injustice and an economy inflicting severe hardships on its citizens.
During the forum, Mr. Mahama introduced several initiatives aimed at enhancing accountability, including his proposal to establish a Governance Advisory Council.
This council would serve as a watchdog over political governance, work towards curbing corruption, and promote respect for human rights in the nation.
The Governance Forum was broadcast live on television, radio stations such as Ahotor FM, and online through Mr. Mahama’s social media platforms, allowing Ghanaians nationwide to engage with his vision for a more accountable and environmentally conscious government.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭
