President John Dramani Mahama said Wednesday that his government will not declare a state of emergency in response to illegal mining, or galamsey, despite mounting public pressure for a tougher stance against the environmentally destructive practice.
Speaking at a press briefing in the capital, the president acknowledged the seriousness of the issue but maintained that existing legal frameworks are sufficient to combat the problem—at least for now.
“I’ve been reluctant to implement a state of emergency in the galamsey fight because we’ve not exhausted the powers we even have without a state of emergency,” Mr. Mahama said. “We have the opportunity to arrest anybody, to confiscate any such thing. The laws for forest protection and all that give us enough powers to be able to act.”
Illegal mining has surged in recent years, driven by rising gold prices and limited enforcement in remote regions. The practice has sparked widespread concerns over deforestation, water pollution, and violent clashes between local communities and mining groups.
Calls have grown louder from environmental activists and civil society leaders for the government to invoke emergency powers to stem the damage. However, Mr. Mahama pushed back on the idea, suggesting that such a move would be premature.
“Implementing a state of emergency might sound nice, but it should be the last resort,” he said. “So for now, let’s exercise all the powers we have—and if it becomes necessary for a state of emergency, then we look at it.”
The president’s remarks underscore his administration’s preference for strengthened enforcement over sweeping executive action. While no timeline was provided, Mr. Mahama signaled an intent to intensify regulatory efforts using existing laws before considering more drastic measures.
Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges, testing the government’s ability to balance resource development with long-term sustainability.
