President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that the National Security Council does not currently consider it necessary to declare a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining in Accra, Mahama noted that while he holds the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, such a move must be guided by advice from the Council.
"Yes, I have the power to do it," Mahama said. "But the president acts not only on his authority but also on the advice of the National Security Council…as of now, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency."
He stressed, however, that he would not hesitate to declare one if the security leadership advised otherwise.
“The day they advise me otherwise — that now we need a state of emergency — I will not hesitate in declaring it,” he said.
Mahama’s comments follow renewed calls from civil society and faith-based organisations for stronger action against the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
Despite not invoking emergency powers, the President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining through reforms, prosecutions, and joint security operations aimed at dismantling networks and restoring degraded lands and water bodies.
"We still believe we have the power to win this fight," he concluded.
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