The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has described calls for a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey, as “draconian and far-reaching.”
He stressed that while the fight against galamsey remains one of the government’s top priorities, extreme measures could have unintended consequences on the economy, livelihoods, and governance.
The Trades Union Congress and some civil society organisations have called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ban all illegal mining and declare a state of emergency in all mining communities.
Organised Labour on Wednesday, September 11, also issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September if decisive action is not taken to address the escalating galamsey crisis.
But speaking at a media engagement in Accra, the minister acknowledged the widespread public outcry and the growing frustration over the devastating effects of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment.
However, he cautioned against declaring a state of emergency, suggesting that it could lead to deeper social and economic instability.
Mr Jinapor assured that the government will engage labour unions and civil society organisations on how best to address the galamsey menace.
“Declaring a state of emergency, that is in the bosom of the president, but I find that being far-reaching, [being] a very draconian measure to take.
“So we will engage him and we will have this conversation, and I believe out of that, we maybe need to come up with some consensus that we can work with.”