{
  "id": 4850909,
  "title": "State of emergency is no ‘magic wand’ for galamsey – Lands Ministry",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/state-of-emergency-is-no-magic-wand-for-galamsey-lands-ministry",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T11:38:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/state-of-emergency-is-no-magic-wand-for-galamsey-lands-ministry/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has cautioned against viewing a state of emergency as a simple fix for Ghana's ongoing illegal mining problem, commonly referred to as galamsey. The Ministry's spokesman, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, clarified that while such an emergency could potentially bring stricter mining regulations and enhanced security in impacted regions, it would not by itself eliminate the root causes of illegal mining. He emphasized that the government needs to analyze what extra benefits a state of emergency would bring before considering it, especially since other measures are already in place to tackle illegal mining. Schandorf pointed out that several restrictions and heightened security steps that might accompany a state of emergency are already being carried out in galamsey hotspots through ongoing efforts. He warned against continually presenting a state of emergency as a \"magic wand\" that would instantly transform the situation, as its implementation could lead to broader economic repercussions for communities. Schandorf highlighted the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as part of the government's current strategy to disrupt illegal mining and safeguard the environment. He clarified that a state of emergency is not equivalent to NAIMOS's initiatives but rather suggested caution against consistently depicting it as a solution. President John Dramani Mahama has mentioned that a decision to declare a state of emergency would be based on security evaluations and only when circumstances warranted it. Therefore, according to Schandorf, there is no immediate need for such a declaration, given the steps being taken by the government and security forces. He suggested that discussions should concentrate on the specific additional advantages a state of emergency would offer and whether those benefits would markedly enhance the fight against illegal mining beyond the existing interventions.",
  "summary": "The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has cautioned against presenting a state of emergency as a quick solution to Ghana’s persistent illegal mining crisis, popularly known as galamsey.",
  "key_points": [
    "State of emergency not magic solution for galamsey, warns Lands Ministry.",
    "Existing measures already in place to tackle illegal mining.",
    "President Mahama said emergency decision based on security evaluations."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}