President John Dramani Mahama has denied reports that he plans to declare a state of emergency to deal with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking to Ghanaians in New York on Friday, September 25, President Mahama said he had never announced plans to declare a state of emergency.
He explained that such a measure should only be considered as a last resort when dealing with serious national problems.
“They said I said a state of emergency. I never ever said that. I never ever said I’ll declare a state of emergency,” President Mahama said.
The President said a state of emergency could be useful in dealing with serious challenges, but it is normally temporary and may involve restrictions on some rights.
He questioned whether declaring a state of emergency would be practical in the fight against illegal mining, which he said is affecting 10 regions across the country.
“But states of emergency are useful, but you declare them as a last resort. If you declare a state of emergency, you normally declare it in an isolated area and you deal with the issue.
“You concentrate all your energy there, deal with the issue, and you finish it, and you lift the state of emergency,” he added.
President Mahama said the government already has the powers needed to take action against illegal miners.
He added that targeted operations are being carried out in areas identified as galamsey hotspots.
The President acknowledged that the fight against illegal mining is complex but said the government remains committed to dealing with the activity and protecting the environment and communities affected by it.
