By Jeremiah Nutsugah
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has described calls for a state of emergency to combat illegal mining (galamsey) as “draconian and far-reaching.”
While emphasising that fighting galamsey remains a top priority, he cautioned that extreme measures could have unintended consequences on the economy, livelihoods, and governance.
Jinapor stated that he intends to engage with various professional bodies, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), to analyse Ghanaians’ views and refine the approach to addressing the issue.
He reiterated that illegal small-scale mining is not permitted in forest reserves, emphasising the need for effective mechanisms to prevent such illegality.
The Trades Union Congress and some civil society organisations have urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ban all illegal mining and declare a state of emergency in mining communities.
Organised Labour has also threatened a nationwide strike by the end of September if decisive action is not taken to address the escalating galamsey crisis.