A presidential hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has proposed an immediate 90-day nationwide ban on mining activities to salvage Ghana’s beleaguered water bodies from pollution.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 15, he emphasised the need for drastic measures to protect the country’s natural resources.
“Everybody should stop mining in this country. Regardless of the financial consequences, we have to agree that for the next 90 days—during the rainy season—we should stop mining,” he said.
He clarified that his proposal wasn’t a call for a state of emergency but a national consensus to facilitate environmental recovery.
“Let’s clear our water bodies and then engage on how we go back to mining. I am not talking about a state of emergency, but mining, regardless of where, should stop now,” he stated.
Dr. Acheampong likened the current situation to trying to fix a speeding train, stressing the need for a temporary halt before progress can be made.
“We cannot repair the tyre or the truck of a moving train. As long as it is speeding, we need to agree to stop,” he added.
His comments come amid growing public outcry over the devastating impact of illegal mining, or galamsey, on Ghana’s ecosystems and rural communities.
Story By: Ernestina Kwakyewa Sintim
