President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the government does not currently see the need to declare a state of emergency in its fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining in Accra, the President explained that while he has constitutional authority to take such a step, the decision must be guided by the National Security Council (NSC).
“Yes, I have the power to do it. But the president acts not only on his authority but also on the advice of the National Security Council…as of now, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency,” Mahama said.
Conditional Readiness
The President, however, stressed that he would not hesitate to invoke emergency powers if the NSC advised him to do so.
“The day they advise me otherwise — that now we need a state of emergency — I will not hesitate in declaring it,” he affirmed.
Renewed Pressure
His remarks come amid increased calls from civil society organisations and faith-based groups for the government to adopt more drastic measures to halt the destruction of Ghana’s lands and water bodies by illegal mining.
Government’s Current Approach
President Mahama reiterated that his administration remains committed to the fight through:
- Legal reforms,
- Prosecutions of offenders, and
- Inter-agency security operations targeting illegal mining networks.
“We still believe we have the power to win this fight,” the President concluded, assuring stakeholders that the government is determined to restore Ghana’s degraded environment without resorting — for now — to emergency powers.
Please download our HOTDIGITAL ONLINE APP and follow HotDigital Online on our social media platforms to stay updated on our upcoming initiatives.
#HotDigitalHealthAwareness #CommunityHealth #GhanaNursesAssociationUK #HealthMatters #HotDigitalOnline #StrongerTogether
