President Nana Akufo-Addo has said his government’s fight against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) will not be stopped by threats by galamseyers to vote against him in the next elections.

Speaking at Soabe in the Eastern Region, the President said he was more concerned about preserving the environment from destruction than winning elections.

“I have been told some of the people engaged in illegal mining have threatened to vote against the NPP in 2020 if I crack the whip on the culprits. I am more concerned about fulfilling God’s purpose and devising measures to propel the nation’s development. That’s my focus and not election-related issues,” he said.

“Things we must do to propel development are the things I am concerned about. Our forefathers left us the natural resources. If we can’t protect them, then we should leave them for future generations.”

He clarified that he was against illegal mining and not licensed forms of mining.

“I haven’t said that I am going to stop mining. Mining has been done for decades in this country by several generations. I am only saying that I am against those mining without legal backing. Illegal mining, that is what I am against. Today, Kyebi, Abirem, it’s a sad sight to behold. Mining along the water bodies cannot continue if we want to preserve nature and our system,” he said.

Mr Akufo-Addo’s government, led by Lands and Natural Resources Minister John Peter Amewu, launched an aggressive onslaught on illegal small-scale mining right after taking office in January this year.