I hope Bawumia implement his ‘most practical’ galamsey solution if he wins 2024 polls — Nana Aba

Ghanaian media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, has expressed optimism regarding NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s proposed solution to the ongoing illegal mining menace, describing it as the “most practical” approach she has heard.

Her comments were shared in a post on social media, where she called for Dr. Bawumia to fulfill his promise if elected president in the upcoming 2024 elections.

“I just listened to Dr. Bawumia’s remarks on galamsey. Glad he’s finally commented on the menace. His solution is the most practical one I’ve heard so far. I hope he walks the talk if he gets the mandate,” Nana Aba wrote.

The illegal mining menace, which has severely impacted Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies and forests, has been a significant concern for citizens, environmentalists, and religious leaders. Stakeholders have long demanded more effective measures to curb the activity.

Bawumia’s Approach to Fighting Galamsey

During a stakeholder engagement in Kpone-Katamanso, Greater Accra, Vice-President Bawumia laid out what he termed a comprehensive and holistic plan to tackle galamsey.

He noted that existing regulations governing small-scale mining needed a stricter and more organized enforcement, and his government, if elected, would focus on formalizing the sector.

“Our approach to the galamsey issue has always been reactive, focusing on solutions after the destruction has already occurred. This needs to change,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

Among the key measures outlined was the need for the Geological Survey Department to be adequately supported to identify and mark all gold reserves across the country.

He explained that this would enable a more organized mining regime where small-scale miners could be registered and provided with user facilities.

“So once they know where the gold is and they are all registered, you come with your Ghana Card, we register you, we monitor you, and we provide you with user facilities. There is no need to go elsewhere to destroy the environment,” Bawumia noted.

He added that the current unregulated practice of miners digging without oversight, often moving from one site to another, was leading to widespread environmental destruction.

Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need to direct miners to specified areas where gold deposits had been confirmed and registered.

“Galamsey is like corruption in a way, because we have always focused on solutions after the destruction has happened,” he pointed out.

A Holistic Solution
Dr. Bawumia further argued that without alternative livelihoods or structured mining opportunities, those engaged in illegal mining would continue to evade authorities and cause further harm to the environment.

“This is a better way for us to deal with this galamsey menace as we go forward,” he assured.

The Vice-President’s remarks came in response to concerns raised by Christian and Muslim leaders during the stakeholder meeting, where religious and community leaders urged politicians to provide concrete and enforceable measures to tackle illegal mining.