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NDC accuses NPP of failing to tackle galamsey crisis effectively

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Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, the Upper East Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has asserted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has failed to effectively address the illegal mining crisis, suggesting that the situation has worsened under their leadership.

He accused the NPP of benefiting from illegal mining activities, claiming that they initially allowed illegal miners to identify gold deposits before stepping in to take over the operations themselves. Salifu highlighted the involvement of local officials in these activities, indicating that even mayors are participating in mining within protected areas. “They made them identify where the gold deposits were, then drove them away. Instead of leaving the sites untouched, they decided to mine there themselves.”

Addressing the recent tensions surrounding organized labor’s plans to embark on a nationwide strike, Mr. Salifu denied any NDC involvement in influencing the decision. “Never! How could we? How much would we even give them? Who would we influence? No, just ask yourself. These are people who know their left from their right.”

He expressed disappointment over the strike’s cancellation, noting that it represented a critical last resort for workers. “I was equally disappointed, to be very frank with you. Because for me, it was the last resort. Now that they’re saying they are immediately deploying people, nothing will happen.”

The NDC official outlined a vision for a more regulated mining industry, proposing the establishment of district mining offices to enhance accessibility and oversight. “What we are simply saying is that, since we have been blessed with gold and believe that mining must take place, we will set up district mining offices. Currently, the only offices that exist in every region are the regional mining offices. We will decentralize this so that access to information and administrative work can be more easily handled at the local level.”

He emphasized the importance of legal and responsible mining practices, pledging support for miners who adhere to regulations while ensuring environmental protection, particularly concerning water bodies. “When you mine, part of the taxes we collect from you will go towards land reclamation in the future. Simple. That is what we want to do. We will make sure people are prevented from mining in our water bodies.”

He also expressed skepticism regarding the president’s promise to deploy military forces to tackle illegal mining, suggesting that such measures might not yield the desired results. He cautioned that any politically motivated actions related to the mining crisis could backfire on the NPP. “If they are doing this because they want votes, it is likely to have the opposite effect,” he said.

Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHZ | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga

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