The Convention People's Party (CPP) marked the 115th birthday of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah with a call on the government to initiate a bi-partisan discussion to find a permanent solution to the illegal mining menace in the country popularly known as galamsey.

The party also called for a ban on all small and medium-scale miners with immediate effect.

"The fight against Galamsey must be won at all cost. We owe it to ourselves and to our future generations," a statement issued and signed by the National Communications Director of the CPP, Osei Kofi Acquah, said.

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, which falls on September 21, every year is a public holiday to celebrate the birthday of Dr Nkrumah, founder of the CPP and first President of Ghana who was born at Nkroful in the Western Region on September 21, 1909.

Effects

The party condemned the destruction of Ghana's lands and water bodies due to illegal mining.

"The destruction of our lands and river bodies is a crime against current and future generations," the CPP said.

According to the CPP, illegal mining has affected 14 out of 16 regions in the country, with foreign miners aided by local citizens.

"The River Subile, which quenched the thirst of the founder of modern Ghana, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has been polluted with impunity by illegal miners," the party said.

The CPP emphasised the need for collective action to protect the country’s natural resources. "We must work together to protect our lands and water bodies for future generations," it added.

The CPP's statement comes amidst growing concerns about environmental degradation and land use change in the country.