No room for Galamsey in NDC - Afriyie Ankrah

Accra, Ghana - Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto Committee, has given a firm assurance that the party will not condone illegal mining activities among its members.

Speaking on behalf of the NDC, Ankrah, a former Minister for Youth and Sports, emphasized the party's commitment to safeguarding Ghana's environment, particularly forests and water bodies, from destruction.

He warned NDC members contemplating illegal mining to reconsider, as the party will not tolerate such activities under its administration.

"We need to suspend all galamsey activities for at least one year to give our water bodies and forest reserves breathing space to recover. I investigated the GYEEDA Scandal with an independent body and I can promise that any member of my party who engages in galamsey will be investigated and prosecuted," he told Nana Kwadwo Jantuah on Nhyira FM on Thursday.

Ankrah criticized the current government's handling of illegal mining, suggesting a lack of commitment to combating the issue.

He described the worsening galamsey activities as a deliberate and organized scheme to destroy Ghana's forests.

"Nana Addo's government over the past eight years has failed to sufficiently combat this galamsey menace because it is a deliberate and organised scheme to make it worse. He refused to act on several reports on illegal mining; an example is that of Professor Frimpong Boateng," he stated.

"The president ignored all the reports because a lot of his appointees are reported to have been involved in the illegality," he said.

"Any Ghanaian who has no reason to vote against this government should look at galamsey which is a threat to their livelihood," he added.

The NDC has pledged to take a strong stance against illegal mining, prioritizing environmental protection and sustainability.

Source : Lead News Online