Joyce Mogtari Bawah, the spokesperson for John Mahama, the NDC flagbearer, has firmly dismissed the claim that the NPP lost in all galamsey (illegal mining) areas during the 2020 elections, calling it entirely false.
She stated that this is a blatant lie and must be rejected, insisting that the facts from parliamentary election results clearly contradict this narrative.
Mogtari Bawah stressed the importance of relying on accurate data and evidence rather than perpetuating misinformation, urging the public to critically assess such claims.
“Again, following John Dramani Mahama’s recent campaign, his position on Galamsey as I have reported is as follows; He [John Mahama] said under his plan, an audit of all mining concessions will be conducted to identify the beneficial owners, and these owners will be held accountable for illegal mining activities within their concession areas”.
Joyce Mogtari Bawah
Bawah further elaborated that John Mahama’s strategy focuses on preserving Ghana’s natural resources through stricter mining regulations and enhanced legal frameworks.
This includes a complete ban on issuing new mining leases in forest reserves to protect these critical ecosystems.
Additionally, the NDC stalwart indicated that the plan aims to introduce stricter regulations governing mining activities in water bodies, recognizing the detrimental impact illegal mining has had on the country’s rivers and water sources.
Bawah stated that to enforce these measures effectively, she highlighted that the strategy involves amending the existing Minerals and Mining Law to impose harsher penalties on those who violate mining regulations.
According to her, these amendments will target illegal miners and complicit entities, ensuring that offenders face severe consequences for their actions.
Bawah emphasized that this approach seeks not only to regulate mining activities but also to protect the environment, preserve water quality, and secure the livelihoods of communities affected by illegal mining operations.
Mahama to Launch Environmental Restoration Initiative
Furthermore, Joyce Mogtari Bawah announced that John Mahama’s administration would implement the “Tree for Life and Blue Water” initiative, aimed at reclaiming polluted water bodies and restoring degraded lands.
She indicated that as part of this initiative, granting amnesty to locals involved in galamsey (illegal mining) operations is a central component, acknowledging the need for community involvement and support in rehabilitation efforts.
Bawah emphasized that this approach aims to provide an opportunity for affected communities to transition away from illegal mining activities while actively participating in environmental restoration projects.
“The ‘amnesty package’ will mean the persons will be employed in a deliberate effort at enhancing re-afforestation. Unless there is a different position Joyce Bawah Mogtari and Stan Xoese Dogbe have not told us. (lol)”
Joyce Mogtari Bawah
Bawah criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, arguing that it is hypocritical for him to speak about galamsey (illegal mining) while boasting that he put his presidency on the line to combat the issue.
She described these remarks as disingenuous and lacking credibility, especially given the widespread perception that his administration has failed to effectively tackle illegal mining.
The NDC communicator pointed out that despite these bold claims, the situation has worsened under his leadership, with severe environmental damage and continued pollution of water bodies.
She emphasized that such statements reveal a lack of accountability and integrity, as the president’s actions have not matched his rhetoric in addressing this critical national concern.
Bawah emphasized that it is shameful for President Akufo-Addo to even address this issue publicly.
She argued that, given his administration’s failure to effectively tackle galamsey (illegal mining) and its damaging impact on the environment, it is inappropriate for him to speak on the matter as if progress has been made.
Bawah’s remarks come in response to accusations from the NPP, which alleged that the NDC had deliberately facilitated the infiltration of illegal miners (galamsey operators) into the system to undermine the NPP’s chances in the upcoming December elections.
Accordingly, she dismissed these claims as baseless, asserting that they are an attempt by the NPP to deflect responsibility for its own failure to address the galamsey crisis.
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