Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, says President John Dramani Mahama has not ruled out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He said this in an interview on Joy FM on September 15, 2025, where he explained that while the president currently favours conventional approaches, he remains open to deploying extraordinary measures if the situation demands it.
“On the matter of a state of emergency, the president said that there are conventional approaches that are currently being deployed that he believes would help us achieve the objective of wiping out this canker once and for all. And that, when it becomes necessary, a state of emergency may be deployed,” he said.
President Mahama never set timeline to end galamsey – Kwakye Ofosu
The minister described a state of emergency as an “extraordinary measure” that allows the suspension of normal laws to adopt harsh or drastic steps.
Such a decision, he added, must be backed by strong justification to ensure that any accompanying consequences are worthwhile.
Kwakye Ofosu noted that the president would weigh available intelligence and the capacity of security agencies before considering such a drastic move.
“It comes with its own difficulties, and therefore, the declaration of the same must be based on tangible reasoning. You must have a sufficient basis to do that so that you are very clear that the consequences that will result will be worth the effort.
“As and when we get to a stage when it is absolutely necessary to deploy those measures that will create some absolute discomfort for ordinary citizens, and may involve measures that may not necessarily be in tandem with the way our laws should function, he will take the decision,” he explained.
He stressed that government was not downplaying the scale of the challenge, acknowledging widespread public concern over the destruction of water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems.
“People are deeply concerned about it, and they want urgent action. The government understands that fully, and such urgent action is underway,” he assured.
According to him, since assuming office, President Mahama has taken significant steps to clamp down on illegal mining and remains committed to bringing the menace under control.
NAB/BAI
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