In a fiery address at the Ghana International Press Centre, Alan Kyerematen, leader of the Movement for Change, delivered a scathing critique of both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their failure to tackle the issue of illegal mining, or “Galamsey,” which has plagued Ghana for years.
Kyerematen’s comments come in the wake of the arrest of young protesters during a recent anti-Galamsey demonstration organized by the Democracy Hub.
Flanked by his Vice Presidential candidate, Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), Mr. Kyerematen decried the “unjust” incarceration of the youth, many of whom are being held without bail under charges of “unlawful assembly.”
He argued that the decision by the judicial system to deny bail to the protesters was an “abuse of judicial discretion” and accused the government of using the law to suppress dissent.
“These young Ghanaians were exercising their constitutional right to protest. Denying them bail is not only punitive but a direct affront to democracy,” Kyerematen declared.
The protests, which were sparked by the ongoing environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, have highlighted growing frustrations among Ghana’s youth.
The Movement for Change leader emphasized that the demonstration reflected the broader disillusionment with the political establishment.
According to Kyerematen, both the NPP and NDC have ignored the environmental degradation and exploitation that Galamsey has inflicted on the country.
“The real criminals are those in power who have failed to act,” he said.
Kyerematen then unveiled a radical 10-point plan to tackle the illegal mining crisis. The centerpiece of his strategy is a one-year nationwide ban on all small-scale and community mining activities, regardless of their legal status.
“The time for half-measures is over,” Kyerematen stated, calling for immediate action to protect Ghana’s rivers, forests, and communities.
Key Elements of the 10-Point Plan
- One-Year Nationwide Mining Ban: Halt all small-scale mining activities, legal or illegal, to allow for environmental recovery.
- Demobilization of Mining Equipment: Deploy the 48 Engineer’s Regiment to dismantle and safely store all mining machinery to prevent further illegal mining.
- Restoration of Degraded Lands: Launch a national program to reclaim lands and restore polluted water bodies, involving local communities, environmental experts, and the military.
- Audit of Mining Licenses: Cancel all mining licenses issued in the last 15 years and conduct a comprehensive audit to clean up corruption in the sector.
- Enforcement of Stricter Regulations: Establish a special task force with authority to shut down mining operations that violate environmental laws.
- Community Engagement Programs: Empower local communities to report illegal mining activities and provide them with alternative livelihoods.
- Alternative Employment Initiatives: Develop job creation programs to support those affected by the mining ban, ensuring that local economies are not destabilized.
- Environmental Conservation: Strengthen environmental protection laws and increase penalties for violators.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage investment in sustainable industries, particularly eco-tourism, agriculture, and green energy, as alternatives to mining.
- Global Partnerships: Seek international cooperation and funding to bolster efforts in restoring the environment and curbing illegal mining.
A Call for Change
Alan Kyerematen’s bold plan has ignited debate across the country.
While environmental activists have praised his vision, critics argue that the ban could have devastating economic effects on communities that rely on small-scale mining for their livelihoods.
Addressing these concerns, Kyerematen reassured the public that his plan includes provisions for alternative employment during the ban period.
“Instead of incarcerating our young people, we should be empowering them,” he said.
As Ghana heads towards the 2024 general election, Kyerematen’s 10-point plan has positioned him as a reformer willing to take tough, decisive action.
“This is a matter of life and death for our country,” he declared, warning that failing to act now would leave future generations to suffer the consequences of environmental destruction.
Kyerematen’s message resonated strongly with the youth, who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the country’s major political parties.
“These young people are the heroes of our time,” he concluded, vowing to stand by them in their fight for a better future.
Growing Political Tensions
Kyerematen’s critique of the government comes at a time of mounting tension between the state and civil society groups.
His comments have put additional pressure on the government, which has been struggling to address the Galamsey issue while balancing economic interests.
With protests continuing and the election looming, Kyerematen’s 10-point plan may prove to be a key turning point in the national conversation on illegal mining and environmental justice.
As the Movement for Change leader calls for accountability and systemic reform, the fate of the detained protesters and the government’s response to the Galamsey crisis could shape the political landscape in the months leading up to the election.
