The flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced a decisive policy stance against illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, among his appointees if elected president in the upcoming December,7 polls. 

Mr. Mahama has vowed to demand the resignation of any appointee found engaging in mining, insisting that they must devote themselves entirely to their roles in national development.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, Mr. Mahama declared: “None of my appointees will do galamsey.” 

He outlined his vision for a sustainable mining scheme that will be implemented in all mining communities, distinguishing it from the current community mining scheme. 

This new plan will actively involve traditional leaders in the licensing process to ensure proper regulation of mining activities.

“It will differ in all forms from the existing community mining scheme, which has undeniably become a conduit for enriching party chairmen, DCEs, and other politically connected individuals,” Mr. Mahama explained. 

He further asserted: “Indeed, in my government, if you are a minister, a DCE, or an official and you undertake mining activity, I will ask you to resign and go and do the mining. You either choose to be a public official or choose to be a businessperson running a mine.”