General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency over the worsening illegal mining menace, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, Mr. Kodua said the galamsey crisis has reached alarming proportions, threatening Ghana’s natural resources and public health.
He alleged that some Members of Parliament (MPs) and executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) are deeply involved in illegal mining operations, thereby undermining the government’s own fight against the activity.
“Our rivers, forests, and farmlands are under siege. The government must act decisively by declaring a state of emergency to protect our environment and the livelihoods of millions,” Mr. Kodua stated.
He expressed concern that the continued destruction of water bodies and farmlands poses a long-term risk to food security, adding that the situation demands urgent and coordinated national action.
Mr. Kodua also criticized the Attorney General’s approach to handling cases related to illegal mining, insisting that due process must be followed before individuals are declared wanted or subjected to legal proceedings.
“We must uphold the rule of law even in the fight against galamsey. Legal processes should be respected, and actions should be guided by court rulings,” he emphasized.
The NPP General Secretary’s remarks come amid growing public outrage over the resurgence of galamsey operations across parts of the country, despite renewed government efforts to clamp down on the practice.
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