Bryan Acheampong, a flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for an immediate 90-day suspension of all mining activities across Ghana to allow for the restoration of the country’s heavily polluted water bodies.
Speaking at his campaign office on Wednesday, October 15, Dr Acheampong stressed that the proposed pause should not be seen as a declaration of a state of emergency, but as a necessary national intervention to protect the environment and secure the country’s food and water systems.
“Ninety days, I’m not talking about even a state of emergency. Ninety days of rainy season, let’s clear our water bodies. Let’s engage in how we go back to mining,” he said.
“We need to agree… mining, regardless of where, should stop now for the next 90 days. Let’s regroup, let’s rethink, and see how we can launch back into responsible mining.”
He explained that during this three-month break, the government and relevant stakeholders should collaborate to clean the country’s rivers and streams, reassess the mining sector, and design a sustainable framework for responsible mining practices.
Dr Acheampong warned that Ghana risks severe long-term consequences for its food and water security if urgent steps are not taken to address the environmental damage caused by illegal and unsustainable mining.
“If our food systems are being poisoned, and we just look on because we prefer to make the money, then people will not be around in a very short time to try and arrest the situation,” he cautioned.
Ghana has for years battled the devastating effects of illegal mining commonly known as galamsey, which has led to the pollution of major water bodies such as the Pra River and Ankobra River.
The situation has forced the State to spend millions of cedis on water treatment and has threatened agricultural productivity in affected communities.
Dr Acheampong’s call adds to growing national conversations on how to balance economic interests in the mining sector with environmental protection.
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