President John Dramani Mahama says the National Security Council is confident that Ghana can overcome the illegal mining menace without declaring a state of emergency.
Addressing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Presidency on Friday, October 3, the President explained that while the constitution empowers him to declare a state of emergency, such action would only be taken on the advice of the National Security Council.
“Yes, I have the power to do it, but the President acts on the advice of the National Security Council. And as at now, the Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey,” he said.
Mr Mahama, however, stressed that he would not hesitate to take that step if the situation escalated.
He further noted that government is prepared to deploy additional security personnel and commit more resources to intensify the fight.
“The day they advise me that we now need a state of emergency, I will not hesitate. As we deploy more troops and apply more resources, I am sure that gradually we will begin to see that we are winning,” he said.
The President assured CSOs that the engagement would not be a one-off event but part of a continuous dialogue. He urged them to sustain their advocacy and constructive criticism.
“This is not going to be a one-stop dialogue. We need your support, your criticism, your advocacy, and your pressure. Continue to put our feet to the fire, because that will encourage us to work harder,” he emphasised.
Mr Mahama reaffirmed his government’s determination to win the fight against illegal mining, insisting that sustained effort and collaboration would yield results.
Source: AdomOnline
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