President John Dramani Mahama has rejected claims that he promised to declare a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, if elected president.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with Ghanaians in the Tri-State Area of the United States, President Mahama said he had never made such a commitment, despite calls from sections of the public for the government to invoke emergency powers to deal with the destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
“I never ever said I’ll declare a state of emergency…”
His comments come amid renewed public debate over the government’s approach to the fight against illegal mining.
The issue has also attracted criticism from groups demanding stronger action, with the Coalition Against Galamsey previously calling for a state of emergency in areas severely affected by illegal mining.
President Mahama has previously explained that he has been reluctant to declare a state of emergency because, in his view, the government has not exhausted the powers already available under existing laws to tackle illegal mining. He has pointed to the authority of state agencies to arrest offenders, confiscate equipment and enforce forest protection laws.
The President’s latest comments are likely to reignite discussions about what was communicated to voters during the 2024 election campaign regarding the use of emergency powers in the fight against galamsey.
The debate comes as illegal mining continues to dominate national discussions over the protection of Ghana’s water bodies, forests, farmlands and the environment.
https://x.com/the1957news/status/2103673492768211343?s=46
By: Bernard Mensah
Discussion about this post