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Dr. Bryan Acheampong, a flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has proposed a 90-day nationwide suspension of all mining activities to restore Ghana’s severely polluted water bodies.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 15, Dr. Acheampong emphasized the need for bold and decisive action to protect the country’s natural resources, even if it entails significant financial costs.
The Need for Environmental Recovery
Dr. Acheampong’s proposal seeks to address the devastating impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s rivers, forests, and rural communities.
He likened the current situation to attempting to fix a moving train, stressing that a complete halt is necessary before meaningful progress can be made. “We cannot repair the tyre or the truck of a moving train. As long as it is speeding, we need to agree to stop,” he added.
Clarifying that his proposal is not a call for a state of emergency, Dr. Acheampong emphasized the need for a national consensus to allow for environmental recovery. “Let’s clear our water bodies and then engage on how we go back to mining. I am not talking about a state of emergency, but mining, regardless of where, should stop now,” he stated.
During this 90-day period, the government and relevant stakeholders would work together to clean the country’s rivers and streams, reassess the mining sector, and design a sustainable framework for responsible mining practices.
Dr. Acheampong warned that Ghana risks severe long-term consequences for its food and water security if urgent steps are not taken to address the environmental damage caused by illegal and unsustainable mining activities. “If our food systems are being poisoned, and we simply stand by because we prioritize profit, then there will soon be no one left to address the issue,” he cautioned.
The call for a mining ban comes amid renewed public concern over the devastating effects of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and water bodies. Ghana has struggled with the dire consequences of illegal mining, which has led to the pollution of major water bodies such as the Pra River and Ankobra River.
The situation has forced the State to spend millions of cedis on water treatment and has threatened agricultural productivity in affected communities.
