The Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding water bodies and forest reserves.
Speaking on Peace FM, Napo emphasised mining’s importance to the nation’s economy but made it clear that such activities would not take place in sensitive areas like water bodies or forest reserves.
“We will not stop mining because it has brought significant benefits to the country, including supporting the Gold-for-Oil Policy. However, we will not allow mining in water bodies or forest reserves,” he stated.
Further, he added that the government would ensure miners, whether in community or small-scale operations, have the resources to mine responsibly and restore the environment.
“We oppose the use of mercury and other harmful practices that damage the environment. Under President Nana Addo’s leadership, we introduced gold catchers, which have increased gold output with the same level of effort.”
“As the saying goes, water is life, and when the last tree dies, the last man dies too. That’s why people don’t live in deserts. We will protect our forests and water bodies, but mining will continue,” he affirmed.
Dr Opoku Prempeh’s remarks addressed ongoing concerns about illegal mining, or galamsey, which has severely impacted the country’s natural resources.
