The NDC spokesperson on mining, Mr. Raymond Nana Ebbah asserts that the next NDC government is committed to enhancing and regularising the mining sector.
Pointing out to journalists that the NDC has proposed the establishment of Gold Board to oversee and regulate the mining industry, address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and promote responsible mining.
He said the Gold Board will issue licenses to miners with local partners, including chiefs, the media, Minerals Commission, and other regulated bodies, giving clear geographical boundaries as their catchment area for production.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at collaborating with traditional leaders, local communities, environmental organisations, and industry experts to implement its sustainable solutions outlined in the party 2024 manifesto to curb the galamsay menace.
Nana Ebbah said, the Gold Board service support would range from concession viability, health, safety and efficiency in mine operations, equipment financing and mining input, research and standardisation, gold recovery optimisation, and land reclamation services.
He said the NDC believes tackling degradation as a result of galamsey requires a multi-faceted strategy, which includes strengthening enforcement, promoting responsible mining practices, and providing alternative livelihoods for those involved in illegal mining.
He criticized President Nana Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia-led government, accusing them of losing the moral authority to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The NDC spokesperson on mine alleged that Nana Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, now the New Patriotic Party Presidential Candidate and key NPP executives, are all beneficiaries of galamsey activities.
According to Raymond Nana Ebbah, despite President Akufo-Addo’s bold declaration in 2017 that he was putting his presidency on the line to end galamsey, efforts have failed due to the leadership’s own entanglement in the illegal mining trade.
He claimed that their involvement makes the government’s fight against illegal mining ineffective.