Dr. Bryan Acheampong, a presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is calling for a 90-day nationwide suspension of all mining activities both legal and illegal in a bold move to address the worsening pollution of Ghana’s water bodies.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, October 15, Dr. Acheampong urged the nation to adopt a united stance, stressing that the temporary halt is necessary to give the environment a chance to recover, especially during the rainy season.
“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 is not a call for a state of emergency, but rather a collective national effort to restore the country’s natural resources.
“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 emphasized.
Dr. Acheampong likened the current situation to trying to fix a speeding train, insisting that progress cannot be made without first bringing mining activities to a complete stop.
“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 noted.
His comments come amid increasing public concern over the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining popularly known as galamsey which continues to threaten rivers, forests, and rural livelihoods across the country.
