The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has committed to implementing stringent measures to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, if elected.
The party’s pledge follows recent warnings from Ghana Water Company Limited about the severe impact of galamsey on water resources. According to the company, many water bodies are now heavily polluted, leading to a significant threat to water supply, particularly in the Central Region.
During the second edition of the NDC’s press briefing on its 2024 manifesto, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, criticized the current government’s handling of the galamsey issue. He highlighted the urgent need for a new approach, stating that the situation has reached a crisis point.
“Ghana Water Limited has put out statements that at this rate, in the next few years, we will have to import water. They [Ghana Water Limited] say the Pra River is gone. The turbidity levels are at a level that does not even allow them to treat water. So as we speak, Central, Western regions, and parts of Greater Accra, have a water crisis.”
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the NDC’s manifesto promises a decisive response to galamsey, asserting that the current government’s efforts have been inadequate. He criticized the government’s inability to address the issue despite having substantial resources and a national security apparatus.
“Only the NDC manifesto is pledging a ruthless combatting of this menace which poses an existential threat. You need a new government that will come and confront this menace because it doesn’t make sense.
“A whole government with a national security apparatus and all of them are saying that they are helpless.
