The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has warned that Ghana is getting close to a point when the extensive destruction brought on by illegal mining, or galamsey, may necessitate the declaration of a state of emergency.
In his first presidential media appearance of his second term, President John Dramani Mahama said that his administration was not in a hurry to declare a state of emergency, claiming that the laws in place already gave enough authority to deal with the threat.
This warning comes after Mahama’s remarks.
Dr. Charles Mensa, the IEA’s board chair, emphasised at a media appearance on Wednesday, September 10, that the extent of the damage may soon force the government to use emergency powers.
“In terms of declaring an emergency, I think we’re creeping towards that. The intensity at which galamsey is taking place, we are getting to a point where a state of emergency would have to be declared.
“As to when, we don’t have much information or security information as the President does. We will leave it to him. But the urgency is near; we all see it coming,” he said.
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Source:Lovinghananews.com
