Presidential staffer, Dr. Samuel Ayeh, says the Mahama administration’s fight against illegal mining (galamsey) is an organized one, hence the President cannot simply declare a state of emergency on his own.
According to him, such a declaration requires careful coordination and advice from strategic state institutions.
Addressing the growing issue of galamsey on Channel One TV on October 6, Dr. Ayeh said President Mahama’s response to calls for a state of emergency demonstrates strong leadership and an informed approach.
“The President’s response on the declaration of state of emergency shows that this is a President that is in charge,” he stated.
“He has shown that the fight against galamsey under this present regime is an organized fight.”
He explained that President Mahama can not act unilaterally without the advice of the relevant agencies.
“The President cannot just get up and go and declare a state of emergency without the advice of strategic state institutions like the National Security.”
According to Dr. Ayeh, the President has indicated that he will act when such institutions recommend it.
“He has made it clear to all of us that if the National Security tells him so, he would declare a state of emergency.”
Dr. Ayeh further noted that intelligence from these agencies shows progress in the anti-galamsey campaign, citing improved coordination and enforcement efforts across the country.
He referenced the work of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the deployment of military personnel to 44 identified galamsey hotspots as proof that the fight is ongoing and structured.
He acknowledged that while some areas continue to experience challenges, there has been notable improvement in others.
“You can argue that there are places where the situation has worsened. You can also argue that there are more places and zones where the Water Resources Commission tells us that, on the basis of water turbidity alone, there’s been significant improvement.”
Dr. Ayeh also revealed that within just nine months, more than 1,600 people have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining, with many currently facing prosecution.
He went on to compare the current administration’s efforts with that of the previous government.
“All you need is a government that is committed. I didn’t see this level of commitment in the previous regime.”
He said that public doubt about the government’s efforts is understandable, considering past failures to tackle the issue decisively.
“I understand the skepticism that a lot of people are demonstrating. That is what has called for people saying we should declare a state of emergency because in years past, a lot of rhetorics were given. The President said he will put his presidency on the line and what have you. So people do not believe in the government’s fight against galamsey.”
He however assured that the measures introduced under the Mahama administration puts them in the right path in fighting the menace.
“These measures put in place by this government are legitimate, they’re substantive and we believe we are going to win.”
President John Dramani Mahama has recently been under criticism for saying he was reluctant to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining, noting that it should be considered only as a last resort.
His comments sparked national debate, with many citizens calling for more decisive action to address the environmental devastation caused by galamsey.
