Abu Jinapor calls proposed state of emergency to tackle galamsey “draconian”
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has described calls for a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as “draconian and far-reaching.”
While acknowledging the severity of the illegal mining crisis and the public’s frustration over its environmental impact, Jinapor cautioned against extreme measures, which he warned could have unintended economic, social, and governance consequences.
Various groups, including the Trades Union Congress and civil society organizations, have urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ban all illegal mining activities and declare a state of emergency in affected mining areas. Organised Labour recently threatened a nationwide strike by the end of September if swift action isn’t taken to address the growing galamsey issue.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, Mr. Abu Jinapor emphasized the government’s commitment to fighting galamsey but urged for a balanced approach. He assured that the government would engage with labour unions and civil society groups to find effective solutions without resorting to drastic actions.
“Declaring a state of emergency, that is in the bosom of the president, but I find that being far-reaching, [being] a very draconian measure to take.
“So we will engage him and we will have this conversation, and I believe out of that, we maybe need to come up with some consensus that we can work with.”
