Kojo Preko Dankwa Challenges Mahama on Galamsey; President Insists Emergency Powers Not Needed Yet

President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, despite growing concerns over its impact on water supply.

The debate comes on the back of a proposed 280% increase in water tariffs by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), which partly attributes the hike to the rising cost of treating water polluted by illegal mining activities.

During a public engagement, a participant asked the President whether the government would consider invoking a state of emergency to address the menace.

Responding, President Mahama said his administration was not yet prepared to take such a drastic step. He explained that existing laws already give security agencies and regulators enough authority to arrest offenders, seize equipment, and enforce forest protection measures without resorting to extraordinary powers.

“I’ve been reluctant to implement a state of emergency in the galamsey fight because we’ve not exhausted the powers we already have,” the President stated. “Implementing a state of emergency might sound nice, but it should be the last resort.”

He further noted that declaring a state of emergency would require parliamentary approval and could only last for a limited duration, making it a complex measure to apply effectively.

“The areas where galamsey is taking place cover several districts of our country. If we were to declare a state of emergency, we would need to delineate those areas clearly. For now, I believe we have given the security services enough powers to deal with those involved,” Mahama added.

Illegal mining has long plagued Ghana, contaminating rivers, destroying farmlands, and threatening sustainable access to potable water. While government crackdowns have intensified in recent years, the practice remains widespread, putting pressure on the country’s water resources and prompting difficult policy choices.