By:Channel1news

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has emphasized that while the government is committed to protecting the nation’s water bodies and forest reserves, mining activities will not be completely halted.

In an interview on Peace FM on Wednesday, October 16, Dr. Opoku Prempeh popularly known as NAPO acknowledged the importance of mining to the country’s economy but stressed that it must be carried out in a responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.

“We will protect the water bodies, we will protect the forest reserves, but the mining will continue,” he said, noting that Ghana’s mining sector is a crucial contributor to the country’s development, and therefore cannot be entirely stopped.

He argued that instead of banning mining, the focus should be on ensuring that it is conducted in a way that safeguards the environment, particularly the natural resources that are vital for the livelihoods of Ghanaians.

“Mining can never be stopped, but it must be done responsibly,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh added, pointing to the need for regulations and stricter enforcement to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which has been blamed for significant environmental degradation, including the pollution of water bodies and destruction of forests.

His remarks come amid growing public concern over the environmental damage caused by illegal mining operations across the country.

Many stakeholders, including civil society groups, have called for stronger action to protect Ghana’s natural resources, particularly in light of the ongoing battle against galamsey.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s comments suggest that the government will continue to strike a balance between economic growth through mining and environmental protection efforts.