Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has backed President John Dramani Mahama’s stance against calls for a state of emergency in areas affected by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
September 20, Kpebu questioned the practical impact such a declaration would have, noting that the same security structures required for enforcement are already in place.
“What is it that we can’t do now, but only a state of emergency will allow us to do? A declaration of a state of emergency is a paper; it is not a magic wand. You will still need the police to enforce it,” he argued on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday.
He emphasized that the police already have the legal authority to intervene in illegal mining activities and that the government could intensify their involvement without invoking emergency powers.
“Under the law, currently, the Police can help; they are allowed to go and stop the galamseyer, and the president says that after that they [Police] will have a prominent presence in the forest,” Kpebu added.
His comments came after President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s determination to combat illegal mining through lawful and sustainable measures rather than emergency decrees.
The President revealed that his administration had not granted any new licenses for mining in forest reserves since he assumed office.
“Steps are currently underway to repeal L.I. 2462 to formalize our commitment to end mining in forest reserves. Let me be clear, since my administration resumed office not a single license has been issued to any company to mine in our forest reserves,” President Mahama stated.
He added that the move to repeal the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462—which currently allows mining in forest reserves—reflects his government’s practical commitment to environmental protection.
According to President Mahama, repealing the regulation will not only close existing loopholes but also demonstrate his administration’s resolve to preserve the country’s forest resources for future generations.
