President John Dramani Mahama has stated that he will only declare a state of emergency upon the advice of the National Security Council during a stakeholder engagement today October 3 on illegal mining.
His response comes amidst rising concerns from the public, key stakeholders and civil society groups about the need for the Presidency to declare a state of emergency to safeguard Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies threatened by illicit mining activities.
President Mahama noted that any such action should be guided by recommendations from the National Security Council, which currently holds the view that the fight against galamsey can be effectively addressed using our existing laws.
“Yes, I have the power to do it,” Mahama said. “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,” he said.
He assured that he would not hesitate to declare it should the Security Council deem it necessary in the near future.
Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to combating illegal mining, citing current reforms, prosecutions, and collaborative efforts to dismantle these networks and restore Ghana’s damaged lands and water resources.
