Galamsey: No sane govt will declare a state of emergency two months to an election – Awal Mohammed

Awal Mohammed, a member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) communications team, has argued against declaring a state of emergency to tackle illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) just two months before Ghana’s general elections. Speaking on TV3’s “Big Issue” program on October 9, Mohammed said it would be unwise for any government to take such a drastic measure so close to an election.

He emphasized that no “sane government anywhere in the world” would declare a state of emergency at this time, citing the potential consequences of sending soldiers to enforce such a directive in forest reserves. His comments come amidst calls from various quarters, including Kofi Bentil, Vice President of INANI Africa, for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency to combat the galamsey crisis.

Bentil expressed surprise that the president had not already declared the emergency, arguing that the galamsey situation is critical and requires urgent action. Despite these calls, Awal Mohammed maintained that a balanced approach to solving the galamsey issue is necessary, especially given the proximity to the elections.

Meanwhile, Organised Labour has resolved to go ahead with a nationwide strike on October 10 to demand stronger government action against galamsey. Despite a recent meeting between President Akufo-Addo and labour leaders, where he urged them to give the government more time to address their concerns, the unions insisted that their notice of strike remains unchanged.

In response, the government expressed surprise at the decision, emphasizing its commitment to addressing illegal mining. The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, issued a statement highlighting the government’s steps, including collaboration with Organised Labour, revoking L.I. 2462 (Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023), and increasing enforcement measures to protect water bodies and forest reserves.

Despite these measures, Organised Labour remains firm in its decision to strike if their demands are not met. The situation continues to unfold as both parties seek a resolution to the ongoing illegal mining crisis.