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The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has characterized suggestions for a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, as “draconian and far-reaching.”
He emphasized that while the fight against galamsey remains a top priority for the government, implementing extreme measures could have serious repercussions on the nation’s economy, livelihoods, and governance.
The Trades Union Congress, along with some civil society groups, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ban all illegal mining activities and declare a state of emergency in mining communities. On Wednesday, September 11, Organized Labour issued a strong warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September if significant action is not taken to address the growing galamsey crisis.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, Mr. Jinapor acknowledged the public’s concerns and frustrations over the environmental damage caused by illegal mining. However, he cautioned against declaring a state of emergency, suggesting that such a move could further destabilize the country socially and economically.
“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,” Jinapor stated. He assured that the government plans to engage with labor unions and civil society groups to find effective ways to address the galamsey issue. “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,” he added.
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