The Media Coalition against galamsey has vowed to put pressure on Ghana’s two leading presidential contenders, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to take a clear public stance against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
Ahead of the December elections, the Coalition is committed to holding both candidates accountable for their position on this critical issue.
This move follows the Coalition’s submission of a petition urging the two candidates to acknowledge the severe environmental and social damage caused by galamsey.
However, despite the petition, both Bawumia and Mahama have yet to address the matter publicly.
During an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV on Tuesday, convenor of the Coalition, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, reiterated their resolve to persist in their efforts until the candidates openly condemn galamsey.
He stressed the need for decisive leadership in confronting the illegal mining crisis that continues to ravage the country’s natural resources.
“We need both the NDC presidential candidate, H.E. John Mahama, and the NPP presidential candidate, H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to clearly support the crisis response we are advocating for,” he said.
“Unfortunately, despite writing to both candidates, we’ve received no response. But we will keep pushing,” Mr Ashigbey added.
The convenor also laid out key strategies to combat illegal mining, emphasizing the need for a non-partisan approach.
He urged all political parties to unite with President Akufo-Addo in a collective fight against the galamsey crisis.
“If this fight is not made non-partisan, there’s a risk of political exploitation that could harm the country. All political parties must rally behind the president and commit to fighting this together. I can assure you, progress will be made,” he added.
Source: Adomonline
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