We can win fight against galamsey without a state of emergency – Mahama 

President John Dramani Mahama has said the National Security Council does not currently see the need to declare a state of emergency in response to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

He stressed that the fight can still be won under existing laws and security arrangements.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining in Accra, the President acknowledged that the constitution empowers him to declare a state of emergency but emphasized that such a decision must be based on the advice of the National Security Council.

“Yes, I have the power to do it,” the president said. “But the president acts not only on his authority but also on the advice of the National Security Council…as of now, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency,” he affirmed.

He further noted that he would not hesitate to declare a state of emergency if security leaders considered it necessary in the future. “The day they advise me otherwise — that now we need a state of emergency — I will not hesitate in declaring it,” he said.

The President’s comments come at a time when civil society organisations and faith-based groups have been calling on the government to take tougher measures against illegal mining due to its devastating impact on the environment.

Despite rejecting the immediate need for emergency powers, President Mahama reiterated his administration’s determination to end galamsey. He pointed to prosecutions, inter-agency operations, and ongoing reforms as part of efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks and restore degraded lands and water bodies.

“We still believe we have the power to win this fight,” he concluded.