President John Dramani Mahama
Andrews Asiedu Tetteh, a security analyst, has asserted that President John Dramani Mahama’s justification for rejecting the declaration of a state of emergency over illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is inadequate.
According to Tetteh, the President’s stated reason that the National Security Council (NSC) advised against it does not sufficiently explain his refusal.
He argued that President Mahama has a fundamental obligation to provide Ghanaians with a more detailed explanation for his consistent refusal, especially given the widespread demand from the majority of citizens, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and professional bodies.
The President reiterated his stance on Friday, October 3, 2025, during a dialogue with CSOs, religious leaders, and other interest groups on the galamsey crisis.
He defended his position by stating that the National Security Council maintains that the fight against illegal mining can be successfully waged without resorting to a state of emergency.
“Yes, I have the power to do it, but the President acts on the advice of the National Security Council,” President Mahama explained.
“And as at now, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise that, Boss, now we need a state of emergency I will not hesitate to declare it.”
In response to these remarks, Asiedu Tetteh suggested that the President does not adequately prioritise the safety and security of the state.
“President Mahama has continuously demonstrated a lack of concern regarding the security implications for the state.
“The majority of Ghanaians, CSOs, professional bodies and experts have collectively proposed a state of emergency and their request should be heeded.
“A state of emergency can be implemented without any abuses, physical harm, or collateral damage; therefore, the President’s refusal is perplexing,” he said on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.
Tetteh further stated, “The President’s primary obligation is to halt galamsey; he cannot afford to fail us on this front. If the President claims he was advised against declaring a state of emergency, he is responsible for publicly detailing the rationale. He cannot merely cite advice without providing justifiable reasons. I believe his explanation on this particular issue is questionable.”
The analyst also emphasised the severe impact of illegal mining, “Galamsey has caused extensive damage to our health and security. Declaring a state of emergency with a clear roadmap to prevent casualties would be an appropriate measure.”
He added that any deployment of soldiers and other security agencies could be executed responsibly.
“The security personnel deployed would be appropriately trained to roll out the state of emergency without resorting to brute force that could lead to casualties.”
In a final challenge, Asiedu Tetteh concluded, “If the government claims a state of emergency is currently needless, they must present a clear, effective plan that deviates from the failed approaches we have utilised in the past. If a referendum were conducted today, I am certain that 98 percent of Ghanaians would vote in favour of declaring a state of emergency.”
