Pressure group OccupyGhana has once again reminded the government of its demand for the declaration of a state of emergency in all mining (galamsey) areas, exactly three years after it first made the call to President John Dramani Mahama.
In a statement issued yesterday, the group lamented that its initial “Galamsey Reminder” of October 3, 2022, urging immediate and radical constitutional action to confront illegal mining, had been ignored.
The organisation insisted that the devastation caused by galamsey had worsened dramatically, reinforcing the case for emergency intervention.
“Three years ago, we pressed the President to act decisively by declaring a state of emergency in all mining areas to protect lives, water bodies, farmlands, and the nation’s future. Our demand has still not been met, and today, the crisis has only grown more dire,” the group stressed.
Constitutional basis ignored
OccupyGhana argued that under Article 31(9) of Ghana’s Constitution, the galamsey situation already qualified as a national emergency since it directly threatened the essentials of life, public safety, and national survival.
It reminded the President that it had outlined a clear constitutional path: to seek the advice of the Council of State, issue a proclamation in the Gazette, and recall Parliament—then in recess—to debate and ratify such a declaration.
The group said it had even offered to partner government to design a framework that could transform artisanal mining into a sustainable, regulated industry benefiting all Ghanaians.
Worsening threat
OccupyGhana pointed to the recent warning by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who described galamsey as an “existential threat” that has only grown worse.
Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association’s annual conference in Wa last month, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie underscored the urgent need for stronger action to confront illegal mining.
“Indeed, in the words of the Acting Chief Justice, the ‘existential threat’ that Galamsey is, ‘has become worse,’” OccupyGhana quoted in its statement.
“The case for declaring a targeted state of emergency in affected mining areas is today even more urgent and compelling than it was three years ago.”
Call to duty
The group accused the government of failing to acknowledge, respond, or take action on both its 2022 and 2025 reminders.
It maintained that the worsening pollution of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and irreversible environmental damage demanded nothing less than decisive constitutional intervention.
“Sir, we raise this again on the third anniversary of that reminder because the crisis has only worsened dramatically. The bottom line remains the same: Ghana risks losing its very essence as a nation unless urgent measures are taken now,” the group warned.
OccupyGhana signed off its reminder with its customary declaration, “Yours in the Service of God and Ghana,” signalling its resolve to keep pressing until the state confronts what it calls the greatest environmental and existential threat in Ghana’s recent history.
