Pressure group, OccupyGhana, has called on government to declare a state of emergency in all mining areas in a bid to fight illegal mining in the country.

According to the group, it is important for government to ensure illegal mining is apporpiately dealt with. It revealed that this is the first reminder to government, among others to follow, as captured in an open letter to government dated 28^th September, 2022. In the letter, it indicated that the group promised to send the state a “Galamsey Reminder” every Monday morning until the government takes drastic steps to control the situation.

“We therefore request that you take immediate steps towards declaring a state of emergency in every mining area in Ghana. In accordance with article 31(1) of the Constitution, these steps would be, first, seeking and obtaining the advice of the Council of State and, second, publishing a Proclamation of the declaration in the Gazette.”
OccupyGhana

OccupyGhana revealed that it is convinced that the unprecedented and rampant scale of unregulated and illegal mining has reached a stage where under article 31(9) of the Constitution, it “constitutes a situation in which any action is taken or is immediately threatened to be taken by any person or body of persons”. Additionally, it noted that the article also constitutes a situation “which is calculated or likely to deprive the community of the essentials of life”.

Contained in a Facebook post, OccupyGhana indicated that it equally renders necessary the taking of measures which are required for securing the public safety, the defence of Ghana and the maintenance of public order and of supplies and services essential to the life of the community, as captured in the article 31(9) of the constitution.

“We risk losing our very essence as a nation unless immediate and radical action is taken, first to STOP all unregulated and illegal mining, and then put a process in place to REGULATE artisanal mining, going forward.”
OccupyGhana

Parliament urged to conclude on illegal mining

The pressure group expressed the need for Parliament to be “recalled from its vacation” for the government to place before it “the facts and circumstances leading to the declaration of the state of emergency” under article 31(2).

OccupyGhana underscored that considering the gravity of the situation, it fully expects Parliament to agree with the government and provide that the state of emergency should remain for such period as Parliament may determine. This, it stated, will help government get a grasp of the situation.

“For our part, we have, and are willing to offer, suggestions and proposals on how to establish a properly regulated artisanal mining industry in Ghana that would benefit the wider interest of all Ghanaians.”
OccupyGhana

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has expressed support on calls for persons whose action and inaction have led to the increasing rate of illegal small scale mining in the country to be held accountable. He stated that the laws do not permit people to engage in illegality hence he welcomes the calls for such persons to face the law.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala, has requested that the government halts small scale mining for a while in order to deal with the illegal ones among them. He further called for President Akufo-Addo to resign as he placed his presidency on the line with the fight against galamsey.