‘I never said I’ll declare a state of emergency’ – Mahama on galamsey

President John Dramani Mahama addressed concerns about the possibility of declaring a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining in Ghana. Speaking to Ghanaians in New York on Friday, September 25, Mahama clarified that he has never announced such a declaration. He emphasized that emergency powers should be utilized as a measure of last resort, not the initial solution to serious national challenges.

Mahama questioned the practicality of applying a state of emergency to illegal mining, which has affected 10 regions across the country. He explained that a state of emergency would typically be more effective if confined to a specific area, enabling the government to focus resources and operations there before lifting the measure once the issue has been addressed.

However, Mahama affirmed that the government already possesses the necessary powers to combat illegal mining and is employing targeted operations in identified hotspots. While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, he reaffirmed his administration's dedication to mitigating the impact of illegal mining on Ghana's environment and affected communities.