Presidential Candidate hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has urged a three-month nationwide suspension of all mining activities to allow for the restoration of Ghana’s degraded water bodies.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, October 15, Dr. Acheampong said the country must take bold and decisive steps to protect its natural resources, even if such actions come at an economic cost.
“Everybody should stop mining in this country. Regardless of the financial consequences, we have to agree that for the next 90 days—during the rainy season—we should stop mining,” he said.
He clarified that his call was not for the declaration of a state of emergency but for a collective national decision to pause mining activities and enable environmental recovery.
“Let’s clear our water bodies and then engage on how we go back to mining. I am not talking about a state of emergency, but mining, regardless of where, should stop now,” he emphasized.
Dr. Acheampong likened Ghana’s current situation to trying to repair “a moving train,” stressing that a temporary halt was necessary before any lasting solution could be achieved.
“We cannot repair the tyre or the truck of a moving train. As long as it is speeding, we need to agree to stop,” he remarked.
His proposal comes amid heightened public concern over the widespread destruction of rivers, forests, and farmlands caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and the government’s ongoing struggle to curb the menace.
