National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has dismissed calls for the declaration of a State of Emergency as a solution to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on August 26, 2025, Mr. Asiedu Nketia argued that such a move would suspend the constitution and undermine Ghana’s democracy.
“I don’t subscribe to the declaration of a state of emergency as some people are suggesting,” he stated. “In your frustration, you can call for certain measures that, when implemented, you may live to regret. Many calling for this have never lived under a state of emergency. It means suspending the constitution people can shoot and kill at will.”
He emphasized that while illegal mining remains a national crisis, government must adopt pragmatic measures rather than resorting to emergency rule.
He pointed to the repeal of L.I. 2462, a regulation on small-scale mining, as a critical step yet to be taken.
“You are not aware of any official statement from the NDC supporting the declaration of a state of emergency,” he said. “But I know we supported the repeal of the L.I., which has not been done yet. I will support any effort to have it repealed because it is a clear promise that we made.”
Mr. Asiedu Nketia also stressed that the NDC does not condone illegal mining and will not shield officials implicated in mining-related offenses.
“When names were mentioned, did you hear any NDC statement claiming those involved were innocent and should be protected? I am proud that as a government, we have had the courage to cite officials suspected of wrongdoing and ask them to face the law. If the evidence against them is weak, they will be vindicated, but the law must take its course,” he added.
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Source: Benjamin Hutchful/ATLFMNEWS
