Alan Kyerematen, Presidential candidate for Movement for Change has pledged to address Ghana’s illegal mining crisis, (Galamsey), through a strict strategic youth-centred business model aimed at reforming the small-scale mining sector and empowering young Ghanaians to take legal ownership in the industry.
During a campaign walk in the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Kyerematen voiced concern over the high youth unemployment rate, which he saw as a major factor driving many young people towards illegal mining.
In his plan to tackle this issue, Alan proposed a one-year ban on all small-scale mining activities to clean and restore the nation’s water bodies and forests, allowing time for a comprehensive audit of the mining sector.
In a statement copied to the Ghana News agency in Accra, he vowed to cancel licenses issued in the last 15 years that had been linked to illegal mining and exploitation.
He also pledged to demobilize all mining equipment used by illegal miners, seizing machinery and blocking resources to deter further environmental damage.
“Alan’s approach also includes engaging the youth directly in environmental restoration.
“He plans to offer well-compensated jobs to young Ghanaians for reforestation projects and establish a community watchdog system to protect water bodies and reserved forests from encroachment.
“We will provide the youth with opportunities that both protect the environment and give them a livelihood they can be proud of”.
Alan also promised to revoke licenses held by politicians who exploit youth in Galamsey operations, reallocating these licenses to young people to establish lawful, sustainable small-scale mining companies.
“We will provide funding and equipment on a work-and-pay basis, allowing the youth to establish themselves with pride and independence,” he added.
In a bold declaration, Alan stated, “I’m the only politician who has been bold enough to put forward a 10-point plan to end Galamsey. My opponents are afraid to stick their necks out for fear of losing votes.” He stressed that his plan offered a practical roadmap for reforming mining while addressing underlying social and economic issues.
Beyond his anti-Galamsey stance, Alan also outlined his broader vision for a government grounded in national unity.
He proposed creating a Second Chamber of Parliament, consisting of traditional leaders, union leaders, and other influential figures, to ensure inclusive governance representing voices from all communities. “Our governance must represent every Ghanaian voice, transcending party lines,” Alan noted, stressing that all regions should have a stake in national decision-making.
Through his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), he aims to revitalize the economy through agricultural revolution and industrial growth, alongside tourism development – three pillars he believes will foster job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
He assured Ghanaians that his administration would prioritize merit-based employment and entrepreneurship, free from political bias.
“Under my government, you don’t need a party card to get a job – just a Ghana Card,” Alan promised, signaling his commitment to equitable opportunity.
With these commitments, Alan Kyerematen’s vision for Ghana focuses on sustainable solutions to end Galamsey, uplift the youth, and promote a government of national unity, setting the nation on a path to economic stability, resilience, and lasting prosperity.
