The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised to grant amnesty to all persons arrested and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment on the charges of engaging in illegal mining.
The Flagbearer of the party, Ex-President John Dramani Mahama made this call during his campaign trail in the Western Region ahead of the December 7 polls.
Happy 98.9 FM’s Western Regional Correspondent, Akosua Djabaa gave this update during an interview on the Happy Morning Show with Samuel Eshun.
According to her, the former President addressing his supporters in the region said, “When we win at the December 7 polls, we will grant all those arrested and jailed on the charges of galamsey some amnesty”.
On his authority, the former President also added that after releasing these galamseyers, he will again give them the go-ahead to engage in the mining of gold on a small scale. “The ex-President also promised to reintroduce galamsey and added that he will connect these small scale miners to international companies, working with approved standards.
The former President argued that through this initiative, Ghana can tap into its gold resources, refine them and make money to improve both the economy and standards of living.
With galamsey becoming a menace in Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his fight against the act instituted Operation Vanguard which consists of police and military personnel who are to see to the arrest of persons who are caught in the act of galamsey.
Several persons who have flouted government’s directives have since been arrested and jailed.
However, former president John Mahama has assured citizens that he will free “all galamseyers” when voted for as president in the December 7 general elections.
