The vice presidential candidate for the national democratic congress Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang has revealed that the next NDC administration would teach the youth responsible mining in a way that does not pollute waters if that is the only job available.
Speaking at an NDC event in Amenfi Central in the Western North Region last Saturday, Prof Opoku Agyemang accused the current government of failing to create employment opportunities for the youth, which, she argues, has left many young people in rural areas with no option but to turn to galamsey.
“In Amenfi and other towns like it, galamsey is rampant, causing serious harm to the environment. But what choice do the youth have when there are no jobs? They are forced to turn to illegal mining as their only option for survival,” she said.
“We know galamsey is happening here in Amenfi. Where are the galamseyers? She asked as the crowd responded.
“It’s not today we discovered gold in Ghana, and galamsey has been around for a long time. But if the government destroys the few jobs in town and doesn’t create new ones, what are the youth supposed to do?”
She emphasised the need for responsible mining practices, adding that where galamsey is practised without polluting water bodies, the NDC plans to step in to train the youth on how to mine sustainably, thereby safeguarding their health, the environment, and their future.
“The youth need jobs, and if galamsey is what they will continue to do, then they should be taught how to do it safely and without destroying their communities. We have come here with good intentions, to show a better way,” she added.
