Dr.
Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate to NPP flagbearer Dr.
Mahamudu Bawumia, has reaffirmed the party's stance on small-scale mining, stating that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has no intention of banning the practice.
He emphasized that the NPP is committed to supporting small-scale miners, provided their operations do not harm the environment or pollute water bodies.
Addressing chiefs and residents in Prestea Huni Valley and Mpohor in the Western Region, Dr.
Opoku Prempeh reiterated that the party's focus is on regulating mining activities to ensure environmental protection, rather than imposing a ban on small-scale mining. "When the small-scale miners mine, they are able to get money to fend for their families.
Small-scale miners voted for the NDC to win about 6 seats in Wassa, but now they [the NDC] say they will shoot and kill small-scale miners.
Tell them the lies are enough.
We will not shoot and kill anyone. "We will give all seized excavators to you so you can do your work peacefully.
This will help everyone to get money to fend for themselves and also for the community to develop.
Dr.
Mahamudu Bawumia will not collapse small-scale mining. "What we do not like is that you put a change on water bodies, but anyone interested in the government's community mining scheme will be able to mine." Meanwhile, there has been a growing call on the government to take drastic measures to address illegal mining in the country.
Professional bodies, associations and religious leaders have all called on the president to temporarily halt all forms of small-scale mining until a sustainable solution is arrived at.