The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama has declared that if he wins the upcoming December election, he will not hesitate to force any of his appointees engaged in mining activities to resign.
Addressing the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, Mahama stressed that his appointees’ primary focus will be on national development, and any involvement in mining would not be tolerated.
Mahama highlighted his plan to introduce a sustainable mining scheme in all mining communities, which will be distinct from the current community mining initiatives. This new scheme will actively involve traditional leaders in the licensing process to ensure better regulation and accountability.
“It will differ in all forms from the existing community mining scheme, which has undeniably become a conduit for enriching party chairmen, DCEs and other politically connected individuals.
“Indeed, in my government, if you are a minister, a DCE or an official and you undertake mining activity, I will ask you to resign and go and do the mining. You either choose to be a public official or choose to be a businessperson running a mine.”
