Alan’s 10-pronged approach to stoping galamsey

Alan Kyerematen, independent presidential candidate and former Minister of Trade and Industry, has revealed a comprehensive 10-point plan to tackle the ongoing illegal mining (galamsey) crisis in Ghana. Speaking at a press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre alongside Kwame Owusu Danso, his running mate, and senior members of the Afrafranto Alliance, Kyerematen called galamsey an “existential threat” and blamed the failure of both the NPP and NDC governments to effectively address the issue.

Here are 10 ways Alan Kyerematen intends to eliminate galamsey:

1. One-Year Ban on All Small-Scale Mining Kyerematen plans to enforce a one-year moratorium on all small-scale and community mining activities to create space for re-evaluating Ghana’s mining practices.
2. Demobilization of Mining Machinery All mining machinery will be collected and stored by the military’s 48 Engineer’s Regiment to effectively enforce the ban and curb illegal mining operations.
3. Aggressive Restoration Campaign During the moratorium, efforts will be focused on restoring degraded river bodies and farmlands, with the Water Resources Commission and Environmental Protection Agency leading this massive clean-up.
4. Plantation Development Initiative A reforestation campaign will be undertaken to rejuvenate the damaged ecosystems before resuming mining activities.
5. Cancellation of Small-Scale Mining Licenses Kyerematen’s plan includes canceling all small-scale mining licenses issued in the last 15 years, accompanied by a full audit to expose corruption and illegal issuance of permits.
6. Youth in Responsible Mining Initiative This initiative aims to provide young miners with proper training, seed funding, mining equipment, and government support to transform them into legal, environmentally responsible miners.
7. Citizens Mining Protection Rights Groups These watchdog groups will be established in mining communities to ensure mining is done responsibly and environmental standards are maintained.
8. Life Imprisonment for Mining in River Bodies and Forest Reserves Legislation will be introduced to impose life imprisonment for those caught mining in river bodies or forest reserves as a strict deterrent.
9. Comprehensive Review of Resource Management Legislation Kyerematen will review and streamline all legislation on natural resource management to ensure regulatory efficiency as part of his Great Transformational Plan (GTP).
10. Transforming Ghana into a Mineral Processing Hub The long-term goal is to transform Ghana into a mineral processing hub for West Africa, which will also contribute to value addition and boost the economy.

Kyerematen called for national support for his vision, pledging that no effort would be spared to end the galamsey crisis and build a sustainable future for the country. He is confident that these comprehensive reforms will help Ghana overcome the challenges associated with illegal mining and restore the nation’s natural environment.