Asiedu Nketiah opposes State of Emergency proposal in galamsey fight

National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has cautioned against proposals for a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining. He warned that such a measure could plunge Ghana into chaos and undermine democratic governance.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s on Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Nketiah admitted that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has become a national crisis but insisted that solutions must be pursued within the framework of the constitution.

“Efforts are ongoing to address galamsey, and we are hopeful about finding lasting solutions,” he said. “But I do not support declaring a state of emergency. Sometimes, out of frustration, people propose measures that, if implemented, they might live to regret.”

He explained that an emergency rule could suspend constitutional protections and lead to uncontrolled abuses.

“When you declare a state of emergency, the constitution is practically suspended,” he said. “It gives room for people to shoot and kill without accountability — but how can you be certain those using force are genuinely fighting galamsey?”

Mr. Nketiah called for Ghanaians to focus on constructive, inclusive reforms aimed at tackling the root causes of illegal mining rather than embracing drastic measures.

“The fight against galamsey requires sustainable, law-based strategies,” he stressed. “Broad consultation and institutional reforms are better alternatives than shortcuts that could destabilise the country.”

Illegal mining has long posed environmental and economic challenges in Ghana, with farmlands destroyed and water bodies heavily polluted. Despite several government interventions, including military-led crackdowns, the practice continues to spread.

Mr. Nketiah’s remarks add to the ongoing national debate on balancing urgent environmental concerns with the need to safeguard constitutional governance.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nketiah also refuted claims that the government is secretly attempting to remove suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV and monitored by this portal, Mr. Nketiah insisted that the executive has not initiated any process to oust the Chief Justice and is only adhering to constitutional provisions.

“There has been no attempt to remove Justice Torkornoo,” he said. “The executive has acted strictly within the law and has no agenda against the judiciary.”