By Kizito CUDJOE
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, pledged on Wednesday to establish common-user processing facilities in various mining districts across Ghana if elected.
He believes this initiative will foster responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small Scale Mining, organised by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UNER), Dr. Bawumia underscored the need for mining activities to benefit the nation as a whole.
“We will establish common-user processing facilities to facilitate mining in the various districts,” said Dr. Bawumia. “We shall also establish Community Environmental Protection Assistants working under the Minerals Commission/Environmental Protection Agency with River Wardens and local authorities to augment the safeguarding of our environment and water bodies.”
Dr. Bawumia explained that these facilities would provide efficient and environmentally friendly processing options for miners, contributing to the fight against illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.”
By offering legal and sustainable processing options, he believes that illegal mining activities can be significantly reduced or eliminated.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that mining should serve the collective good of the country and not just benefit a select few individuals. He stressed the need for mining practices that prioritize environmental conservation and community well-being.
