Political commentator and former presidential aide, Koku Anyidoho, has reminded President John Dramani Mahama that he remains fully in charge of national security matters, amid ongoing discussions about whether Ghana should declare a state of emergency to tackle illegal small-scale mining, “galamsey”.
Anyidoho’s remarks follow recent comments by the President indicating that a decision to declare a state of emergency would depend on advice from the National Security Council. He argued that while consultations are important, ultimate responsibility for national security rests with the President, who must exercise decisive leadership in times of crisis.
His comments come as calls for tougher action against galamsey continue to rise. Environmental degradation, pollution of major rivers, and destruction of farmlands have intensified across the country, sparking public concern and appeals from civil society groups for urgent intervention.
President Mahama has maintained that the government’s current approach focused on security operations, regulatory enforcement, and alternative livelihood initiatives, can effectively manage the crisis without invoking emergency powers. He has also stressed that any move to declare a state of emergency would only follow if the National Security Council determined that existing mechanisms were inadequate.
Anyidoho, however, believes that the worsening effects of illegal mining demand stronger political will and a firmer executive response.
Meanwhile, the government continues to intensify its anti-galamsey campaign through joint security taskforces, the reclamation of degraded lands, and stricter monitoring of mining licenses. Efforts are also underway to provide sustainable employment alternatives for those involved in illegal mining, in a bid to reduce the economic pressures that fuel the activity.
