Kojo Preko Dankwa Challenges Mahama on Galamsey Emergency; President Insists Existing Powers Suffice
President John Dramani Mahama has rejected calls for a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey, despite its severe impact on water supplies.
The debate was sparked during a public engagement by broadcaster Kojo Preko Dankwa, who urged the government to invoke emergency powers amid a proposed 280% water tariff hike by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), partly due to pollution from galamsey.
In response, Mahama explained that current laws already empower security agencies and regulators to arrest offenders, seize equipment, and protect forests without needing extraordinary measures.
“I’ve been reluctant to implement a state of emergency because we haven’t exhausted the powers we already have,” he stated. “It might sound appealing, but it should be a last resort.”
The President noted that a state of emergency requires parliamentary approval and is limited in duration, complicating its application across multiple districts affected by galamsey. “We would need to clearly delineate those areas. For now, we’ve given security services enough authority to act,” Mahama added.
Galamsey continues to devastate Ghana, polluting rivers, ruining farmlands, and endangering clean water access. While crackdowns have increased, the issue persists, fueling policy debates and public frustration.
