Galamsey Fight: We shouldn’t be so quick to call for a state of emergency – Mustapha Gbande
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A Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency and Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has cautioned against hasty calls to declare a state of emergency over illegal mining. He believes the government’s current actions are already visible and producing results.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Mr Gbande stressed that such a major step should only be considered with proper justification. He called on the public to support the government’s efforts instead of pushing for drastic measures.
“We shouldn’t be so quick to call for a state of emergency. This is not something you simply impose. Look at the situation today, forest reserves have effectively become no-go areas. We have witnessed calculated, precise military operations targeting these hotspots. The evidence is clear: many of these forest reserves are being reclaimed,” he said.
On the performance of state institutions, he said, “We are making sure that the responsible institutions are not only functioning but operating more effectively than ever before. Would you say we are doing nothing? Should we suddenly declare a state of emergency now, when the cedi is stabilising and the economy is showing signs of revival largely thanks to gold regulations?”
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He praised government efforts, saying, “As far as I’m concerned, I have already spoken about the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources’ dedication and contribution. For the first time, I have also highlighted the unprecedented resolve of the Minister for the Interior, under whose watch offenders are being extradited and arrested.”
Mr Gbande urged citizens to support the anti-galamsey fight by helping expose those involved. “The government has made it absolutely clear that anyone involved in illegal mining will face the full force of the law. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to expose those, both within and outside government, who have engaged in or supported illegal mining.”
He concluded by calling for careful and strategic management of the situation, saying, “This is a matter we must handle with tact.”
