By: Ashiadey Dotse
Governance expert, Dr. Eric Oduro Osae, has called on President John Dramani Mahama and his government to take bold and immediate action in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. According to him, the time to act is now, and “sitting down and doing nothing is not an option.”
Speaking in an interview on GTV’s Current Agenda show on Saturday, September 20, 2025, Dr. Oduro Osae urged the President to consider declaring a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas to show clear commitment to the fight. He explained that although Parliament and the Council of State are currently on recess, the President has the power to recall them and seek the necessary advice to publish the declaration in the Gazette.
He stressed that such a move would demonstrate urgency and seriousness, while also giving the government the legal backing to halt illegal mining operations. “We should not be afraid of declaring a state of emergency, because it is not permanent. Once declared, Parliament has up to 72 hours to review it and can revoke it if they think it is unnecessary,” he explained.
Dr. Oduro Osae further proposed that government should freeze all illegal mining activities for at least seven days as a first step. This, he said, would send a strong signal to operators and the public that government is determined to end the menace.
He argued that the current situation meets the conditions required for declaring a state of emergency, as illegal mining activities threaten public safety, the environment, and the essential resources needed for life, referencing Article 31 of the 1992 Constitution.
He concluded by urging the President and his government to show leadership and act swiftly.
