According to former President John Mahama, political allies of the Akufo-Addo government have taken control of the community mining scheme, which was established to promote legal small-scale mining and tackle illegal mining (galamsey).
The issue of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, has taken center stage in this year’s election, as the current administration, led by President Akufo-Addo, has been criticized for its inability to effectively address the problem. The consequences have been severe, with water bodies in the country becoming increasingly polluted.
Read Also:Galamsey Must Be Defeated to Preserve Our Heritage – Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
While addressing the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, former President John Mahama pledged that, if elected again, his administration will prohibit its appointees from engaging in any forms of mining for his, unlike the current situation.
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Emphasizing the need for a clear separation of public service and personal business interests, former President John Mahama made a strong call on the issue of government officials engaging in mining activities.
“Indeed, in my government, if you are a minister, a DCE or an official and you undertake mining activity, I will ask you to resign and go and do the mining. You either choose to be a public official or choose to be a businessperson running a mine,” Mr Mahama said.
Additionally, he vowed to introduce an alternative plan to address the issue of galamsey, departing from the existing method.
“It will differ in all forms from the existing community mining scheme, which has, undeniably, become a conduit for enriching party chairmen, DCEs and other politically connected individuals,” he said.
