Prof. Gyampo repeats call for state of emergency over galamsey menace

Professor Ransford Gyampo

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has renewed his appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency to tackle illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, June 21, Prof Gyampo questioned the president’s continued hesitation in taking that bold step.

“The more they are fighting, the more the thing is festering. There are some party people involved in the menace, and they are fighting the Minister and the IGP,” he said.

According to Prof Gyampo, who is also a leading voice in the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, efforts by the authorities, while commendable, have not been strong enough to stem the crisis.

“We want to meet President Mahama to bring together a reasoned complaint and bring it to the attention of President Mahama. Yes, they are doing what they can, but the problem is festering,” he said.

Reinforcing his stance, he added, “We are calling for a declaration of a state of emergency. Will NDC lose power if a state of emergency is declared? Listen to the calls.”

The issue of galamsey continues to stir national concern, with various civil society groups urging the government to take decisive action. One of them is the One Ghana Movement, whose convenor, Senyo Hosi, also called on Ghanaians to remain active in the fight.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on June 19, Hosi criticised the public’s passive posture toward the crisis and warned that the consequences of inaction would be grave.

“They have captured the state whether it's NDC or NPP,” he said. “The one reason why President Mahama I believe, has even shown something small is because of the public pronouncement he made coming into the election. He has to show that he has done some. But it is a difficult thing. And he himself has admitted that it is difficult. If you don't force him, he won't move.”

Hosi also warned of the dangers of complacency. “If matter comes, a lot of these politicians they will leave this town. Most of the Ghanaians they are sitting here, when the wahala comes, they will be gone. But what water you will drink, it will be your own wahala. They would have made the money out of here and you will be suffering for the decision that they have taken. Fight for your future, fight for your children,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is also urging stronger government intervention. Convenor of the group, Kenneth Ashigbey, has called for the swift repeal of L.I. 2462, a legislative instrument that permits mining in forest reserves.

“We will not accept an amendment that responds to the interests of certain individuals, not taking into account the interests of the nation. The LI 2462 must be revoked and with urgency,” Ashigbey said.

The calls for action continue to mount as illegal mining devastates farmlands, pollutes water bodies and threatens national security, with civil society urging the government to take bold, uncompromising steps.