Declaring emergency over galamsey threatens democracy – NDC Chair
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has firmly opposed calls for a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, warning that such a move could threaten Ghana’s constitutional order and democratic stability.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Nketiah acknowledged the severity of the illegal mining crisis but cautioned against extreme measures that could lead to unintended consequences.
“Work is being done about the galamsey fight, and we hope to be able to find solutions to it. But I don’t subscribe to the declaration of the state of emergency as other people are suggesting. In your frustration, you can call for certain measures that, when we begin implementing, you may live to regret,” he warned.
He explained that declaring a state of emergency would effectively suspend constitutional rule, granting security forces unchecked powers that could be misused.
“If you intend to deal with galamsey and you declare a state of emergency, it means you have suspended the constitution. People can shoot and kill at will. How will you be sure that those who are shooting and killing are the ones fighting galamsey? That is another matter,” he noted.
Mr. Nketiah called for a more measured, law-based approach, emphasising that the solution to illegal mining must be rooted in broad reforms, stakeholder engagement, and strict enforcement of existing laws, not authoritarian interventions.
He stressed that safeguarding democracy must remain a central priority, even as the nation grapples with complex challenges like illegal mining.
Comments (0)