National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has cautioned against declaring a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey, arguing that such a move poses a significant threat to Ghana’s democratic principles.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 26, Nketiah acknowledged the severity of the galamsey crisis but warned that suspending the constitution in the name of addressing it could lead to more problems than it solves.
“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 stated.
Mr. Nketiah explained that many advocates for the measure may not fully grasp the potential consequences, noting, “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 concluded by urging the public to shift their focus towards proposing constructive and sustainable solutions, stressing that any path forward must be rooted in the rule of law and consensus-driven reforms to avoid undermining Ghana’s democracy.
Culled from CNR
