Galamsey fight: Declaring state of emergency very ‘draconian’ measure – Lands Minister
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has dismissed calls for a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, known as galamsey.
Mr. Jinapor has labelled such measures as "draconian and far-reaching."
At a media engagement in Accra, Mr. Jinapor acknowledged the widespread frustration over the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
However, he cautioned that declaring a state of emergency could have unintended repercussions on the economy, livelihoods, and governance.
“Declaring a state of emergency, that is in the bosom of the president, but I find that being far-reaching, [being] a very draconian measure to take,” he said. “We will engage him and have this conversation, and I believe out of that, we may need to come up with some consensus that we can work with.”
The Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS), The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and other civil society organisations all have called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ban all illegal mining activities and declare a state of emergency in mining communities.
On September 11, Organised Labour warned the government of a potential nationwide strike by the end of the month if decisive action is not taken to combat the escalating galamsey crisis.
Mr. Jinapor, while recognising the urgency of the situation, underscored the importance of a balanced approach.
“The fight against galamsey remains one of the government’s top priorities, but extreme measures could lead to deeper social and economic instability,” he warned.
He reassured the public that government would continue to engage with labour unions and civil society groups to find a more sustainable solution.
“We will engage with all stakeholders to find a common ground on how to tackle this menace without resorting to extreme measures,” he added.
Source: classfmonline.com
Trending News
Pastor Love sentenced to 48 months of hard labour for theft
11:11Voter roll sanitised ahead of Dec. 7 polls – Jean Mensa
13:59Alan Kyerematen condemns arrest of youth protesters, demands their immediate release
00:48Pusiga District EC officer fired for unauthorised voter transfers in UE/R
02:43#OccupyJulorbiHouse protest: NDC Women’s Wing condemns ‘inhumane treatment’ of pregnant protester
08:36Dec. 7 Polls: Ho municipal Police Command assures residents of security measures
17:47Mahama pledges 24/7 commitment to Ghanaians, vows transparency if elected in Dec. 7 polls
08:562024 WASSCE successful despite malpractice incidents – WAEC
02:20Armed robbers shoot MoMo vendor at Amanfrom
08:58Opoku-Agyemang urges EC to ensure transparency in Dec. polls
13:28