President John Dramani Mahama says he will not hesitate to declare a state of emergency in galamsey ravaged communities if National Security Council advises that it is necessary.
Speaking at a stakeholders engagement at the Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, President Mahama explained though he’s clothed with the constitutional power to make such a declaration the decision must be guided by security assessments.
“As at now, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency,” he said. “But the day they advise me otherwise, that we need a state of emergency, I will not hesitate in declaring it.”
The assertion by the president is on the back on a barrage of calls by many civil society organizations, environmental campaigners, religious leaders and individuals for a declaration of a state of emergency in the illegal mining fight.
President Mahama insisted that the government’s current approach, which includes deploying more troops, equipping joint task forces and allocating extra resources, is beginning to yield results.
The President however lauded civil society for the unrelenting crusade urging them to sustain advocacy and pressure, adding this would help hold ministries and agencies accountable.
“This is not going to be a one-off dialogue,” the President told participants. “We will continue to engage, report transparently on progress, and ensure the ministries responsible for lands and the environment deliver results.”
“Our forefathers handed us a beautiful country with forests, trees and rivers. We must hand over the same, not destruction, to our children and grandchildren.” Mahama stated.
The President assured that he has no personal interest in galamsey and thus pledged that the government’s campaign would continue until meaningful progress is achieved.
