The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has pushed back against growing calls to declare a state of emergency as the ultimate fix for illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Addressing the matter, the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, urged the public and stakeholders to avoid treating such a declaration as a magic solution.
Schandorf pointed out that many of the robust measures typically associated with emergency powers are already in play. “Declaring a state of emergency means the military will come into full scope, and we have done military deployment already,” he explained, adding that these interventions are beginning to pay off.
He emphasized that, unlike in previous years when drastic measures were required, the government’s sustained efforts have significantly curbed galamsey activities. According to Schandorf, the country has now moved out of the “red zone,” and attention should shift to building on the progress made so far.
Rather than seeking extraordinary actions, Schandorf called on all stakeholders to focus on education and consistent enforcement to secure lasting results. He assured the public that the government remains dedicated to stamping out illegal mining and consolidating the gains made in the ongoing fight against galamsey.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
