In a passionate and comprehensive policy announcement, Edith Nuong Faalong, a prominent Ghanaian journalist, writer, activist, and a strong supporter of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has emphasized the party’s unwavering commitment to responsible mining practices for sustainable development.

This comes at a time when illegal mining activities have sparked national outrage due to the severe damage they have inflicted on the country’s natural resources, threatening both the environment and the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.

In her message, the renowned activist underscored the NDC’s dedication to combating the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining (galamsey) while fostering a more regulated and beneficial mining sector.

“The next NDC government will wage a ruthless war against the illegal mining menace and roll out an aggressive programme to reclaim our polluted water bodies, degraded lands and devastated forest reserves”.
Edith Nuong Faalong, a Ghanaian journalist, writer, activist and sympathizer of the NDC

A Blueprint for Responsible Mining

The NDC’s proposed strategy to address the galamsey menace according to Nuong Faalong encompasses several key actions designed to foster sustainable mining while ensuring that Ghana’s natural resources are protected for future generations.

According to her, the next NDC government will place an outright ban on any new mining operations within forest reserves.

This decisive move, she noted aims to prevent further encroachment into Ghana’s remaining pristine forests, which have been critically endangered by illegal mining, adding that halting mining activities in these ecologically sensitive areas is essential for preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

Amend the Mineral and Mining Law to Impose Stiffer Punishments

Recognizing the need for stricter enforcement, Nuong Faalong underscored the NDC’s plans to amend the Mineral and Mining Law to introduce more severe penalties for individuals and entities involved in mining in water bodies.

She explained that the party views this as an essential step toward safeguarding Ghana’s rivers and streams, many of which have been rendered unusable due to pollution from mining activities.

galamsey1 — Some individuals engaging in the actvities of illegal mining

Decentralize Regulatory and Licensing Processes for Artisanal Miners

In a bid to streamline and simplify the regulatory framework, she indicated that the NDC intends to decentralize the licensing and regulatory processes for artisanal miners.

This move according to the NDC’s sympathizer is expected to address one of the major challenges faced by small-scale miners, who often encounter bureaucratic delays in obtaining licenses.

Implement the ‘Tree for Life’ Reforestation Policy and Blue Water Initiative

Moreover, Edith Nuong Faaalong outlined the NDC’s vision for environmental restoration, which includes the introduction of two ambitious programs: the ‘Tree for Life’ reforestation policy and the Blue Water Initiative”.

These initiatives according to the renowned writer and activist is designed to restore and rehabilitate areas damaged by illegal mining activities.

Under the ‘Tree for Life’ policy, she noted that large-scale reforestation efforts will be undertaken to replace trees lost to mining and deforestation, while the Blue Water Initiative will focus on purifying and harnessing Ghana’s water bodies, turning degraded mining sites into hubs for both ecological recovery and economic opportunities.

Enhance the Geological Survey Department

Additionally, to ensure that Ghana has better control and understanding of its mineral wealth, Nuong Faalong indicated that the NDC intends to equip the Geological Survey Department with the resources and technology necessary for comprehensive geological investigations.

She pointed out that the initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing Ghana’s stake in its extractive industries by improving the country’s knowledge of its own resources and ensuring that mining activities are conducted in a more informed and sustainable manner.

Establish a Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD)

Lastly, Nuong Faalong reaffirmed the NDC’s mining policy to create a Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), a new regulatory body dedicated to overseeing and restructuring the small-scale mining sector.

According to Faalong, GOLDBOD will play a pivotal role in regulating small-scale mining, ensuring that it operates within legal frameworks and contributes to the formal economy.

She also indicated that the board will spearhead reforms aimed at enhancing the productivity, safety, and sustainability of small-scale mining operations across the country.

Edith Nuong Faalong’s statements reflect the NDC’s determination to tackle the scourge of illegal mining while promoting responsible practices that align with Ghana’s long-term environmental and economic goals.