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Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has backed the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, in rejecting calls for the declaration of a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, October 20, Mr. Mutawakilu argued that declaring a state of emergency would not provide a lasting solution to the menace, which continues to threaten the country’s environment and water resources. He instead called for more sustainable and pragmatic measures to address the problem. Reacting to the remarks on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, October 21, Mr. Sukparu said the Mahama-led government had demonstrated a strong commitment to combating illegal mining, making a state of emergency unnecessary. “So far, how this government has handled this issue [galamsey], I think that there’s no need for us to declare a state of emergency on the issue of galamsey. Because you have seen that the President has shown commitment to fighting this galamsey, and so far, we’re seeing results,” he said. Mr. Sukparu noted that before President Mahama assumed office, many forest reserves had been overtaken by illegal miners. However, he said recent reports indicate that government interventions have reclaimed several of those areas. “Before he [President John Dramani Mahama] took office, we were told that several forest reserves were taken over by illegal miners. “Per the current report we have, the government has taken over these forests. Several other initiatives have been put in place, including cancellation of some licences,” he said.
