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Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, is calling on the NDC administration to deliver on its campaign pledge to declare a state of emergency in areas ravaged by illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).
Speaking on the issue, Jinapor reminded the public that while in opposition, the NDC supported civil society’s demands for decisive action, even promising to declare a state of emergency in mining districts if elected. “They should come out and say we will impose a state of emergency… or give clear reasons why not. But silence is not acceptable,” he said.
He was supported by Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, who insisted a state of emergency would empower authorities to clamp down more effectively on galamsey operations. Ashigbey also urged tracking of all active excavators in Ghana, tracing chassis numbers to identify real owners and financiers behind the illegal mining.
Environmental activist Daryl Bosu, Executive Director of A Rocha, added that more than 44 forest reserves are currently being degraded by illegal mining, stating the actual figure is much higher. “Our forests are under siege,” he warned.
