On Why He’s Not Declared State Of Emergency In Galamsey Areas
President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians, he will trigger the popular ‘state of emergency’, request by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the fight against galamsey.
According to the president, he is yet to declare the request because the National Security Council has advised him against it at least for now,
Speaking to the issue at his meeting with some invited Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders at the presidency on Friday October 3, President Mahama admitted that, even though he has the power to declare state of emergency, it is not yet the time to do that.
He said indeed he has the power to act in that regard but he acts with advice from the Council which has advised against it.
Mahama disclosed that, the Council insists, there is still more the government can do to curtail the situation, without declaring state of emergency in communities where galamsey is endemic.
“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.
The day they advise me otherwise — that now we need a state of emergency — I will not hesitate in declaring it,” he said”.
The in a lengthy response to that question, the president said he has not business not declare state of emergency. He assured that he will quickly do the needful the moment he is given the go ahead to do so.
He said he does not have any interest or benefit from illegal mining and so has no reason not to make the declaration when the time is right.
Even though he resisted the growing calls to declare state of emergency, the president said he is convinced that the war against illegal mining will be won with time.
“We still believe we have the power to win this fight. We will continue to fight. I believe we will win the fight against galamsey. We have nothing to hide; I don’t gain anything from galamsey. I’m not personally involved in galamsey. I have no interest in galamsey continuing,” the President stated emphatically”, he concluded.
Acknowledging the enormity of the crisis and the need for unified front, President Mahama stressed that ultimate victory depends on a joint effort between the government and civil society.
“You can be sure that we’re all on the same side. And we will continue to do this together,” he assured the assembled stakeholders.
By Gifty Boateng