Bryan Acheampong, an aspirant for the flagbearer position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for an immediate suspension of all mining activities in Ghana for a period of 90 days to facilitate the restoration of the nation’s severely polluted water bodies.
During a speech at his campaign office on Wednesday, October 15, Dr. Acheampong emphasized that this proposed halt should not be interpreted as a declaration of a state of emergency, but rather as a crucial national measure aimed at safeguarding the environment and ensuring the integrity of the country’s food and water systems.
“For ninety days, I’m not suggesting a state of emergency. I’m advocating for a 90-day period during the rainy season to allow us to cleanse our water bodies. We can then discuss how to resume mining responsibly,” he stated.
“We must come to a consensus… mining, irrespective of its location, should cease immediately for the next 90 days. Let’s take this time to regroup, rethink, and strategize on how we can return to responsible mining practices.”
He elaborated that throughout this three-month hiatus, the government and relevant stakeholders should work together to clean the nation’s rivers and streams, reevaluate the mining industry, and develop a sustainable framework for responsible mining operations.
Dr. Acheampong cautioned that Ghana faces significant long-term risks to its food and water security if immediate actions are not taken to mitigate the environmental harm caused by illegal and unsustainable mining activities.
“If our food systems are being contaminated, and we simply stand by because we prioritize profit, then there will soon be no one left to address the issue,” he warned.
For years, Ghana has struggled with the dire consequences of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which has resulted in the pollution of key water bodies such as the River Pra and the River Ankobra. This crisis has compelled the State to allocate millions of cedis for water treatment and has jeopardized agricultural productivity in the affected regions.
Dr. Acheampong’s appeal contributes to the increasing national dialogue on how to reconcile economic interests in the mining sector with environmental conservation.
