Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has watered down calls for the President to declare a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Following the environmental catastrophe caused by illegal mining activities, there have been several pressures on the governments, both the erstwhile Nana Akufo-Addo-led NPP government and the incumbent John Mahama-led NDC government.
A file photo Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah
It is recalled that the pressure to get President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo intensified during the 2024 electioneering campaign era, with the incumbent president, who was then the flagbearer of the opposition, pressing upon the government to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining.
However, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia warned that such a move could plunge Ghana into chaos and erode democratic rule.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Nketiah admitted that galamsey remains a national crisis but cautioned that suspending constitutional governance in the name of tackling it would create deeper dangers.
“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.
According to him, many advocates of emergency rule underestimate its destructive consequences.
“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 argued.
He therefore urged Ghanaians to champion practical and sustainable solutions rooted in the rule of law, insisting that broad-based reforms, not authoritarian shortcuts, hold the key to ending illegal mining.Source : Kobina Darlington/Peacefmonline.com
