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Declaring State Of Emergency Is Not Urgent In Galamsey Fight – Lands Minister
Before the 2024 elections, various groups, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Imani Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey led by Ken Ashigbey, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), and Catholic clergy, had urged the government to impose a state of emergency in mining zones. However, nearly 80 days into the new administration, no such declaration has been made.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has clarified the government’s stance on why a state of emergency has not been declared in regions affected by illegal mining (galamsey), despite prior calls for such measures.
Before the 2024 elections, various groups, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Imani Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey led by Ken Ashigbey, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), and Catholic clergy, had urged the government to impose a state of emergency in mining zones. However, nearly 80 days into the new administration, no such declaration has been made.
Government Treats Galamsey as an Urgent Priority
In an interview with Accra-based Channel 1 Television, Minister Buah emphasized that while the government views illegal mining as a critical issue requiring immediate action, declaring a state of emergency is not the chosen approach.
“We are treating this matter as an emergency and working around the clock to address it,” Buah stated. “In a free society, even during a crisis, solutions must be pursued without instilling fear or panic. Our actions demonstrate our commitment—within less than a month, we’ve transitioned seven ‘red zones’ to ‘yellow,’ signaling progress.”
He stressed that the government is handling the situation with the urgency it demands, adding that President Mahama has prioritized the fight against illegal mining.
“The President is fully engaged in this issue and assures Ghanaians that he is leading the charge. We are making steady progress, and the public can trust that we will succeed in this fight,” Buah affirmed.
Balancing Security and Public Confidence
The Minister acknowledged that while drastic measures like curfews or emergency declarations might seem like quick fixes, the government is opting for a more strategic and sustainable approach.
“Our goal is not to issue sudden announcements or impose curfews where none exist nationwide. Multiple factors are at play, and as the Minister responsible, I assure Ghanaians that we are tackling this issue with the utmost urgency. Victory in this fight is certain,” he concluded.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com