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

President John Dramani Mahama addressed concerns over reports that he intends to declare a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. During an address to the public in New York on Friday, September 25, Mahama affirmed that he had never mentioned plans to invoke a state of emergency. He emphasized that such a drastic measure should only be contemplated as a last resort. "I never said that," Mahama stated emphatically.

Mahama explained that while a state of emergency could prove beneficial in addressing significant national issues, it is typically employed temporarily and directed at a specific region. He questioned the feasibility of utilizing this approach to tackle galamsey, which has impacted 10 regions nationwide.

Despite acknowledging the usefulness of states of emergency, Mahama stressed that declaring one should be a final option. He elaborated, "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."

The president affirmed that the government possesses the necessary authority to combat illegal mining and is implementing focused operations in recognized galamsey hotspots. Despite acknowledging the complexities surrounding the issue, Mahama reiterated the government's dedication to tackling illegal mining and its detrimental effects on the environment and local communities.