Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has stated that President John Mahama has not ruled out declaring a state of emergency to address illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said that the President was keeping the option open but would only take such a step if it became absolutely necessary.
“Let me indicate that on the matter of 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.
He explained that a state of emergency is an extraordinary measure and must be backed by a strong justification.
“It actually means that you set aside laws as they are and adopt extraordinary, sometimes very harsh, very drastic measures in order to beat back a particular problem.
“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,” he noted.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu added that the President must consider the information available to him and the ability of deployed assets to confront the challenge before making such a decision.
“He believes earnestly that currently, some gains are being made that could be sustained. And 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 that our laws should function, he will take the decision,” he explained.
The minister stated that the government is not downplaying the threat posed by galamsey and has already begun taking steps to confront it.
“The government appreciates the genuine concern surrounding the issue of galamsey because of the threats that it poses. It has naturally become an emotive subject. People are deeply concerned about it, and they want urgent action. The government understands that fully, and such urgent action is underway,” he said.
He added that since taking office, President Mahama had taken significant steps to clamp down on galamsey and remained determined to bring the menace under control.
“Since he became president, he has done everything necessary to ensure that we combat galamsey.”