Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has termed the calls for a state of emergency to address illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as “draconian and far-reaching.”
According to him, while combating galamsey remains a key priority for the government, such extreme measures could have unintended effects on the economy, livelihoods, and governance.
The Trades Union Congress, along with several civil society organizations, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to impose a ban on all illegal mining and declare a state of emergency in mining communities.
On Wednesday, September 11, Organised Labour issued a strong warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September if decisive measures are not taken to tackle the growing galamsey crisis.
Speaking at a media engagement in Accra, the Minister acknowledged the widespread public concern and increasing frustration over the harmful impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment.
He however warned against declaring a state of emergency, suggesting it could exacerbate social and economic instability.
Mr. Jinapor assured that the government would engage with labor unions and civil society organizations to find the most effective ways to tackle the galamsey issue.
“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.
“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”.