The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has cautioned against declaring a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining (galamsey), warning that such drastic action could undermine Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Nketiah acknowledged that galamsey poses a pressing national crisis but argued that suspending constitutional rule in the name of fighting it could create more problems than solutions.
“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 cautioned.
He further explained that many of those calling for a state of emergency may not fully understand its implications.
“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.
Mr. Nketiah urged Ghanaians to focus on constructive and sustainable solutions, stressing that the fight against illegal mining requires reforms rooted in the rule of law and broad consensus rather than extraordinary measures that could endanger civil liberties.
He maintained that while the menace of galamsey must be addressed urgently, the path forward must safeguard Ghana’s democratic principles.
