President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that he has never said he would declare a state of emergency to deal with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Speaking during a town hall meeting with the Ghanaian community in the Tri-State Area of the United States, Mahama said a state of emergency could be useful in certain circumstances but should only be considered as a last resort. Mahama emphasized that states of emergency are generally intended to deal with crises in specific areas for a limited period.
Mahama explained that declaring a state of emergency comes with significant powers, including restrictions on certain rights. He noted that such a declaration would allow for arrest without question and detention without taking to court. Mahama argued that the nationwide nature of illegal mining makes a state of emergency difficult to apply, noting that galamsey is occurring across 10 regions of Ghana. This, he said, makes it challenging to determine where to declare the state of emergency.
The President highlighted efforts by his government to tackle illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves. He said nine forest reserves have been cleared of illegal miners, and military camps are being established in reclaimed areas to maintain a security presence and prevent renewed encroachment. Mahama noted that previously, the military would clear an area before handing it back to forest guards, but illegal miners would sometimes return after the soldiers left.
Mahama also discussed efforts to tackle illegal mining along Ghana's water bodies. He said water guards had been deployed, and several changfan machines operating on the Ankobra River had been removed and destroyed. However, he noted that clearing the main river channel alone was not enough because several tributaries also feed into the Ankobra. Mahama emphasized the need for more water guards to support the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in clearing affected areas.
The President revealed that the Finance Minister had agreed to provide additional funding to employ and train more young people as water guards. Mahama assured that his government would continue its efforts against illegal mining, describing it as a complex fight. He emphasized that the government will not give up, despite the challenges involved.
Mahama's latest comments come as enforcement against illegal mining continues across forest reserves and water bodies. The government had previously announced plans to maintain military detachments in reclaimed forest reserves due to concerns that illegal miners could return after enforcement operations. The President's clarification on the state of emergency comes amid ongoing efforts to address the issue.
The issue of galamsey remains a significant challenge for Ghana, with the President emphasizing the need for a sustained effort to address it. Mahama's government has taken steps to tackle the issue, including the deployment of military and water guards. The President's assurance that the government will continue the fight against illegal mining has been met with renewed calls for action.
Key points
- President Mahama never said he would declare a state of emergency to deal with galamsey, considering it a last resort.
- Nine forest reserves have been cleared of illegal miners, with military camps established to prevent them from returning.
- The government needs more water guards to tackle illegal mining on rivers and their tributaries.
