Lawyer and member of the NDC communications team, Hamza Sayibu Suhuyini, has said the government has not ruled out the option of declaring a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, though it is not considered the immediate solution.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Thursday, October 2, he stressed that the government accepts full responsibility for addressing the galamsey menace.
“First of all, as a government, we accept full responsibility when it comes to the issue of confronting the menace of illegal mining,” he stated.
He recalled that while in opposition, some NDC members supported civil society groups that pushed for a state of emergency. However, he clarified that this was never the party’s official position.
“The basis upon which the calls were made is totally different from what we have today. But as a political party, there is nowhere we indicated that, officially, the National Democratic Congress would declare a state of emergency as a way of confronting the menace,” he explained.
Outlining the government’s approach, Mr. Suhuyini said several interventions have been introduced to provide long-term solutions.
“We have rolled out a number of policy interventions intended to ensure a sustainable approach to the fight against illegal mining, with the hope that a year or two from now, we will have results we can all be proud of. But the option of declaring a state of emergency is not out of consideration,” he noted.
He also referred to recent comments by President John Mahama, saying they reflect the government’s current stance.
“President Mahama, in his engagement with the media, indicated strongly that where we are, he does not think we have reached the stage where we need to deploy the option of declaring a state of emergency. But when we get there, rest assured that as a government, we will not shy away from that declaration,” he stressed.
Looking ahead, Mr. Suhuyini admitted that restoring polluted water bodies and reclaiming lands will take time.
“We know it will be difficult for our water bodies to be clean in a matter of a month or two or three, considering the eight years of desecration and state-sponsored illegal mining activities under the previous regime. It will take time for us to reclaim many of these lands and clean our water bodies. But this government is committed to the fight,” he assured.