The President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has said that threats to vote the governing NPP out of power in the 2020 election will not deter him from his fight against galamsey.

The president who was speaking at Soabe in the Eastern Region said he will do what is right despite the threats from the galamsey operators.

“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. 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.”

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“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” the President added.

After the media and other stakeholders started a massive campaign against galamsey, some people involved in the act threatened to vote against the Nana Addo-led government in election 2020.

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These people include some residents of Prestea and Tarkwa-Breman all in the Western Region.

They argue that galamsey has been part of their lives for a long time and it also serves as a means of livelihood for them.

Meanwhile the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu has said that government has put in place an alternative livelihood programme for the illegal miners.