The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has voiced strong opposition to proposals for declaring a state of emergency as a means to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. He warned that such an extreme measure could jeopardize Ghana’s democratic framework.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Nketiah acknowledged the severity of the galamsey issue, describing it as a national emergency. However, he cautioned that suspending constitutional governance in the name of resolving it could lead to unintended consequences.
“Work is being done about the galamsey fight, and we hope to be able to find solutions to it. But I don’t subscribe to the declaration of the state of emergency as other people are suggesting. In your frustration, you can call for certain measures that, when we begin implementing, you may live to regret,” he warned.
He argued that many advocates of emergency rule may not fully grasp its ramifications.
“If you intend to deal with galamsey and you declare a state of emergency, it means you have suspended the constitution. People can shoot and kill at will. How will you be sure that those who are shooting and killing are the ones fighting galamsey? That is another matter,” he explained.
Mr. Nketiah urged the public to pursue thoughtful and enduring strategies, emphasizing that the solution to illegal mining lies in reforms anchored in legal processes and national consensus not in drastic actions that could infringe on civil rights.
He reiterated that although galamsey must be tackled with urgency, the approach must uphold Ghana’s democratic values and constitutional integrity.
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