Kyerematen proposes one-year mining ban policy as part of his bold plan to eliminate illegal mining and protect Ghana’s environment. The leader of the Movement for Change, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, announced that a full suspension of small-scale mining activities would allow the nation to reclaim polluted rivers, restore degraded lands, and reset mining regulations for sustainable growth.
During an interview on TV3’s New Day programme, Kyerematen stated that the country’s battle against galamsey cannot succeed through fragmented efforts. He stressed that without a clear and unified strategy, illegal mining will continue to destroy water bodies and threaten food security. His one-year ban, he said, would offer the government time to assess all existing licences, remove unqualified operators, and strengthen environmental monitoring systems.
Kyerematen believes that fighting galamsey requires more than enforcement — it demands a national commitment to resource protection and economic diversification. He added that miners affected by the temporary ban could be retrained and redirected into environmentally friendly ventures such as reclamation projects or community farming initiatives.
He also highlighted that the ban forms part of his 10-point Ghana Transformation Programme (GTP), which focuses on restoring natural resources, improving governance, and promoting sustainable industrialisation. According to him, the initiative will not only curb illegal mining but also generate long-term benefits for rural communities.
Critics have expressed concern about the economic implications of halting small-scale mining for a year. However, Kyerematen argued that the short-term sacrifices are necessary to prevent irreversible environmental damage. He concluded that the success of the policy would depend on strong leadership, public cooperation, and transparency in implementation.
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