Declare state of emergency on galamsey as promised–Jinapor urges govt

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By Emmanuella Sarfo-Ntow September 25, 2025

Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has called on the government to honour its campaign promise by declaring a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

His comments follow the Ministry’s recent announcement of plans to deploy military and security personnel to protect major rivers and forest reserves, declaring them security zones which is a move seen by many as a significant step in the escalating fight against environmental degradation.

But speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, September 25, Mr Jinapor dismissed the announcement as insufficient, arguing that such actions are not new and lack the legal force and urgency needed to bring about lasting change.

“This government made a clear commitment to Ghanaians. It was part of their social contract that the most effective way to fight galamsey is through a state of emergency. That is what people are calling on them to do,” he said.

According to him, the government, then in opposition explicitly endorsed the idea of a state of emergency as the best means to address illegal small-scale mining and should now act on that commitment.

“The most important thing is that this government [while in opposition] believed that the state of emergency is the best tool to deal with illegal small-scale mining, and they have the opportunity, and that’s why people are saying, follow through with your commitment of declaring sa tate of emergency to deal with illegal small-scale mining.”

He also rejected comparisons with former President Akufo-Addo’s administration, which resisted calls for a state of emergency. Jinapor pointed out that Akufo-Addo never promised such a measure, unlike the current government.

Mr. Jinapor further questioned the practical effectiveness of declaring security zones, asking what real legal and enforcement mechanisms would follow.

“What will this declaration mean in real terms? What are its legal ramifications and enforcement measures? Without clarity, it risks being another symbolic gesture,” he stated.