Effiduase-Asokore MP declares that small-scale mining will never be outlawed.

The member of parliament for Effiduase/Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, has reiterated the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s dedication to assisting lawful mining operations.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding legal frameworks in the industry and drew attention to the differences between lawful, prudent mining and illicit operations that endanger forests and waterways.

Speaking to party supporters on Friday, September 27, during a campaign event, Dr. Ayew Afriyie charged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was purposefully disseminating false information in Accra in order to damage the reputation of the government.

Despite the possible political risks, especially in mining villages, he pledged that the NPP would stick with legal mining, including in forest regions.

The MP predicted that the NPP would win every parliamentary seat in mining regions in the general elections of 2024, citing the party’s close ties to the industry and dedication to environmentally friendly policies as reasons for her optimism.

According to data conducted in August, the NPP was gaining seats. That explains why people in Accra are responding the way they are. They are spreading uncertainty in Accra by saying that while they won’t vote, we will.

“They are purposefully impeding others who are mining in woods lawfully. Community and small-scale mining are not the same as those carried out by Togolese people. We are pursuing them. We will keep up the operations we have started until we apprehend every immigrant.

He went on, “They [the NDC] decided to go and import foreigners to engage in galamsey in Offin and Oda because they [the party] know we’re winning the seats in mining areas.” They failed to provide them with sound guidance to mine in the forest.

They are aware that we are winning seats in the areas surrounding mining, so they are making every effort to sabotage our votes there. They want us to be kicked out of the mining districts. However, we won’t give up on Galamsey today or tomorrow. Because small-scale mining in riverine environments differs from that in forests.

“God speaks via the voice of the people. People who mine near bodies of water are evil, and we will put an end to them. God is going to punish you and your offspring. The NDC has been frustrating people”