President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the government is confident in its ability to defeat illegal mining (galamsey) without resorting to a state of emergency, despite growing calls for tougher measures.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining in Accra, President Mahama emphasized that while he possesses the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, such a decision must follow the advice of the National Security Council (NSC) — which, for now, sees no need for it.
Also Read:
- Asenso-Boakye denies viral nursing allowance allegation: Claim’s false and baseless
- Bawumia: NPP does not choose leaders on tribal lines
“Yes, I have the power to do it,” the President said. “But the president acts not only on his authority but also on the advice of the National Security Council. As of now, the Council believes we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency.”
Mahama, however, signaled his readiness to act decisively if the situation worsens.
“The day they advise me otherwise — that now we need a state of emergency — I will not hesitate in declaring it,” he warned.
His comments come amid mounting pressure from civil society organizations, environmental activists, and religious groups urging the government to take bolder steps against the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining.
Despite rejecting emergency powers for now, Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ending galamsey, citing ongoing legal reforms, inter-agency operations, and active prosecutions aimed at breaking the networks behind the illegal trade and reclaiming Ghana’s damaged lands and rivers.
“We still believe we have the power to win this fight,” he concluded firmly.
The President’s stance underscores a measured but resolute approach — one that balances constitutional restraint with determination to restore Ghana’s environment and uphold the rule of law.