[VIDEO] President Mahama Response to Ace Broadcaster Kojo Preko Dankwa’s call on Galamsey Emergency

Ace broadcaster and media personality, Kojo Preko Dankwa, has raised a critical question to President John Dramani Mahama regarding the ongoing debate about the galamsey menace and the call for a possible state of emergency.

The interaction took place during President Mahama’s recent engagement with the press, where he addressed key national issues, including illegal mining, widely known as galamsey. The broadcaster queried the former president on whether declaring a state of emergency would be a decisive step in addressing the escalating environmental and socio-economic challenges caused by illegal mining activities.

Mr. Mahama, in his response, acknowledged the gravity of the galamsey situation, describing it as a national crisis that demands urgent, collective, and non-partisan solutions. He emphasised the need for strong political will, community involvement, and sustainable alternatives for those who depend on small-scale mining for their livelihood.

He further stressed that 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.

Galamsey has remained one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges, threatening water bodies, degrading lands, and sparking concerns about long-term environmental sustainability. The former president reiterated his commitment to working with all stakeholders to protect Ghana’s natural resources while ensuring livelihoods are safeguarded.

The debate follows 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.

Kojo Preko Dankwa’s intervention reflects the growing public demand for accountability and decisive action in the fight against galamsey, a battle that continues to test Ghana’s leadership.