NPP Will Never Ban Legitimate Small Scale Mining – Effiduase/Asokore MP

Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore, has assured that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has no intention of banning small-scale mining operations. Speaking at an event in Kumasi last Friday to introduce a group of NPP campaigners, Dr. Afriyie emphasized the need to support legal mining activities while cracking down on illegal practices, particularly those harming the environment.

“We will never stop small-scale mining today or tomorrow. There’s a difference between mining in forest areas and mining in river bodies,” he clarified, underscoring the importance of distinguishing between legal operations and harmful illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Accusations Against the NDC

Dr. Afriyie accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of spreading misinformation regarding the NPP’s stance on mining, alleging that the NDC is attempting to undermine the party’s support in key mining constituencies. “They want us to lose our seats in mining areas,” he said, claiming the NDC is falsely portraying the NPP as hostile to mining communities.

The MP further revealed that recent research conducted in August indicated the NPP was leading in constituencies located in mining areas, despite the NDC’s alleged efforts to sway voters through misinformation.

Illegal Mining and Environmental Concerns

Dr. Afriyie also accused the NDC of facilitating illegal mining by allegedly bringing in foreign nationals to engage in galamsey in regions such as Offin and Oda. He criticized these activities for damaging water bodies and forests, stressing that legal miners would continue to receive support from the NPP, while those engaging in illegal practices would face consequences.

“Those mining in water bodies are wicked. We will stop them, and God will punish you and your generations,” he declared, vowing that the government would protect Ghana’s environment from destructive mining activities.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com