The Vice-Presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has announced plans to support youth in mining communities with small-scale mining setup loans if the NPP retains power in the upcoming elections.
Dr. Prempeh explained that the initiative would ensure miners adopt international best practices to protect the environment and water bodies.
Speaking at a mini rally in the Odotobri Constituency, a mining district in the Ashanti Region, the Manhyia South MP highlighted that many individuals involved in illegal mining, or “galamsey,” lack the financial resources to follow proper mining practices.
“There are policies governing mining, but because the youth lack the funds, they can’t adopt the best practices, which is why they engage in galamsey. Some foreigners, including Chinese and Indians, are taking advantage of this, pushing them to mine illegally and then purchasing the gold. Others are also sponsoring illegal mining. But if the government provides loans to these community members, the narrative will change,” he stated.
Dr. Prempeh further added, “The government itself will offer loans to the miners and buy the gold from them directly. We will not sell the gold to foreigners in the local market. This will enable the government to raise enough funds for the day-to-day running of the country.”
He expressed confidence that the project, if implemented successfully, would create jobs, reduce unemployment, and boost local economies in mining communities.
“The mining communities will benefit financially from this project, leading to development and job creation. Traditional leaders (Nananom) will also receive their fair share,” he explained.
Source:onuaonline.com