The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has dismissed calls for a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey, warning that such a move could threaten Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, he acknowledged that illegal mining remains a critical national challenge but cautioned that suspending constitutional rule in the name of tackling it could create more problems than it solves.
Asiedu Nketia said “Work is being done about the galamsey fight, and we hope to be able to find solutions to it. But I don’t subscribe to the declaration of the state of emergency as other people are suggesting.”
“In your frustration, you can call for certain measures that, when we begin implementing, you may live to regret,” he warned.
He added that many advocating for such drastic measures may not fully grasp the potential consequences of emergency rule.
“If you intend to deal with galamsey and you declare a state of emergency, it means you have suspended the constitution. People can shoot and kill at will. How will you be sure that those who are shooting and killing are the ones fighting galamsey? That is another matter,” Asiedu Nketia stated.
He urged the public to focus on proposing constructive and sustainable solutions, emphasizing that the fight against illegal mining requires broad-based reforms grounded in the rule of law.
He stressed that the way forward must rely on legal and consensus-driven reforms rather than extraordinary measures that could undermine Ghana’s democracy.
Earlier, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, urged the government to declare a state of emergency in regions heavily affected by galamsey, warning that the nation’s natural resources and security face serious threats.
Dr. Ashigbey described the situation in galamsey-affected areas as worsening, with armed gangs and foreign mercenaries providing protection for illegal miners.
He emphasised that these activities are devastating water bodies, destroying farmlands, and putting lives at risk.
Dr. Ashigbey clarified that the proposed state of emergency would not apply to the entire country, but only to areas where illegal mining is completely out of control.
This, he said, would empower the President to take strong and extraordinary measures to halt the destruction and restore order.
“When they were in opposition (NDC), they supported the idea of a state of emergency. Now, it is even more important to act they’re in power. We must preserve not just our future, but our present,” he said.
He also criticised the practice of merely deporting foreign nationals involved in illegal mining without imposing proper punishment, insisting that offenders should face legal consequences in Ghana, including fines and jail terms, to serve as a deterrent.
“Deporting them without punishment sends a wrong message — it tells them Ghana is a safe haven for illegal activities,” he warned.
Dr. Ashigbey further encouraged the public to continue speaking out and supporting the fight against galamsey, noting that the government’s recent efforts and arrests must be reinforced with stronger legal action and enforcement.
He concluded by urging the President to review current policies and take the bold step of declaring a targeted state of emergency in the worst-affected areas to help win the battle against galamsey.
