Alan Kyerematen has pledged to address Ghana’s illegal mining crisis, commonly known as Galamsey, through strict new measures aimed at reforming the small-scale mining sector and empowering young Ghanaians to take legal ownership in the industry.
During a mammoth campaign walk in the Greater Accra Region on 2nd November, 2024, Mr. Kyerematen addressing the crowd, voiced concern over the high youth unemployment rate, which he sees as a major factor driving many young people toward illegal mining.
In his plan to tackle this issue, Alan proposed a one-year ban on all small-scale mining activities to clean and restore the nation’s water bodies and forests, allowing time for a comprehensive audit of the mining sector.
He vowed to cancel licenses issued in the last 15 years that have been linked to illegal mining and exploitation. Additionally, he pledged to demobilize all mining equipment used by illegal miners, seizing machinery and blocking resources to deter further environmental damage.
Alan’s approach also includes engaging the youth directly in environmental restoration. He plans to offer well-compensated jobs to young Ghanaians for reforestation projects and establish a community watchdog system to protect water bodies and reserved forests from encroachment.
“We will provide the youth with opportunities that both protect the environment and give them a livelihood they can be proud of,” he assured, emphasizing his commitment to sustainable development.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
