By asiedu

Copyright ahotoronline

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications, has stated that President John Mahama has not ruled out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that while the President was not yet resorting to this drastic measure, he remained open to it if the situation warranted such a response.
“The President has made it clear that while there are conventional measures being deployed to address this problem, he is not ruling out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency if it becomes absolutely necessary,” Kwakye Ofosu explained.
He clarified that while the government is actively working on existing solutions, a state of emergency would only be considered if all other options failed. “The President believes that with the current strategies in place, we can make significant progress in eradicating this issue once and for all. However, should it become essential, we will not hesitate to deploy a state of emergency,” he added.
The spokesperson outlined that a state of emergency is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is an extraordinary measure that involves suspending regular laws and instituting more severe and sometimes harsh actions to address a national crisis.
“A state of emergency allows for exceptional measures to be adopted, often with severe consequences. It is crucial that any such decision is grounded in strong justification. The rationale must be clear, and the consequences must be weighed carefully to ensure that the efforts made are truly worthwhile,” he said.
Kwakye Ofosu further pointed out that the President would base any decision to declare a state of emergency on the available intelligence, the effectiveness of current interventions, and the resources at the government’s disposal to combat the galamsey threat.
“He believes that meaningful progress has been made so far, and there is optimism that these efforts can be sustained,” he noted. “However, if the situation reaches a point where more drastic and disruptive measures are needed measures that could significantly affect the daily lives of ordinary citizens, the President is prepared to act.”
The minister also assured the public that the government is fully aware of the gravity of the galamsey problem and is committed to finding lasting solutions.
“The government recognizes the deep concerns surrounding galamsey. It is a highly emotive issue that affects many people, and there is a strong public demand for immediate action,” he said. “The government is not downplaying the threat, and urgent steps are already being taken to address it.”
Kwakye Ofosu reiterated that President Mahama’s administration had made significant strides since taking office to combat illegal mining, and remains resolute in its efforts to bring the situation under control.
“Since his assumption of office, President Mahama has left no stone unturned in the fight against galamsey. His determination to rid the country of this menace is unwavering,” he concluded.
story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku