ACCRA, Oct 3 (The African Portal) – President John Dramani Mahama has said he will not hesitate to declare a state of emergency in parts of Ghana affected by illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, if advised by the National Security Council.
Speaking at a stakeholder dialogue with civil society groups in Accra on Friday, Mr Mahama said such a decision must be guided by security assessments.
“As at now, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency. But the day they advise me otherwise, that we need a state of emergency, I will not hesitate in declaring it,” he said.
Civil society organisations, environmental campaigners and religious leaders have been urging the government to take tougher action, arguing that the scale of destruction from illegal mining requires extraordinary measures. Rivers have been polluted and forest reserves devastated, raising concerns over water security and rural livelihoods.
Groups including the Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference have in recent months called for a state of emergency to protect the country’s natural resources.
Mr Mahama said the government’s current strategy, which includes deploying more troops and strengthening joint task forces, is beginning to show results.
He urged civil society to maintain advocacy and scrutiny.
“This is not going to be a one-off dialogue. We will continue to engage, report transparently on progress, and ensure the ministries responsible for lands and the environment deliver results.”
The president also stressed his commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations.
“Our forefathers handed us a beautiful country with forests, trees and rivers. We must hand over the same, not destruction, to our children and grandchildren.”
He added that he had no personal interest in illegal mining and pledged that the government’s campaign would continue “until meaningful progress is achieved.”
