The Managing Director of the Ghana Water Limited (GWCL), Mutawakilu Adam, has downplayed calls for a state of emergency as a response to the illegal mining menace, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a meeting between President John Mahama and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, October 3, Mr Adam questioned the effectiveness of such a measure, warning that it could worsen hardships in mining communities.
“The question is, will a state of emergency solve the problem? I don’t think so,” he said.
According to him, while the government is stepping up efforts to curb illegal mining, declaring a state of emergency would disrupt livelihoods and collapse local businesses.
“State of emergency shouldn’t affect the communities within which the mining takes place. Businesses will come down, a lot of things will be crashed, and they need to survive as well,” he stressed.
Mr Adam argued that the real solution lies in strong political will and consistent commitment from the government and its appointees.
“For me, it’s not about a state of emergency. It’s the commitment President Mahama and his team are showing in fighting it that is most critical,” he added.
Source: AdomOnline
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