Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has dismissed suggestions that declaring a state of emergency is the solution to illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) stressed that although government efforts to tackle galamsey are ongoing, extreme measures such as suspending the constitution would create more problems than solutions.
“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,” he said in an interview on Channel One TV.
He cautioned against reactionary policies that could worsen the situation. “In your frustration, you can call for certain measures that, when we begin implementing, you may live to regret,” he warned.
Explaining further, Asiedu Nketiah noted that a state of emergency would give security forces sweeping powers that could endanger lives.
“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,” he argued.
The NDC Chairman emphasized that while illegal mining remains a pressing national issue, solutions must be found within the confines of the constitution to avoid unintended consequences.
