The Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, says President John Dramani Mahama is fully committed to eradicating illegal mining, also known as galamsey, which continues to pose serious threats to Ghana’s environment and water bodies.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that since President Mahama assumed office, the government has been relentless in implementing measures to combat the menace.
“Since he became president, he has done everything necessary to ensure that we combat galamsey,” he said, emphasizing the administration’s resolve.
Addressing calls for the declaration of a state of emergency to deal with illegal mining, the spokesperson noted that while the option remains on the table, the President believes current interventions could yield the desired results without invoking such extreme measures.
“On the matter of a state of emergency, the President has indicated that there are conventional approaches being deployed which he believes will help us wipe out this canker once and for all…When it becomes necessary, a state of emergency may be deployed.”
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu cautioned that a state of emergency is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it involves suspending existing laws and instituting extraordinary, often severe, measures.
“It actually means setting aside existing laws and adopting harsh, sometimes very drastic steps” to address a particular problem, adding “such a move must be backed by solid justification, and the government must be sure that the consequences are worth the effort.”
