Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has firmly rejected calls for the declaration of a state of emergency to address the rising menace of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
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Appearing on Accra-based Channel One TV, he cautioned that such a drastic measure poses serious risks to democratic governance and could erode the constitutional protections that Ghanaians rely on.
The Constitution at Stake
Asiedu Nketia emphasized the gravity of suspending Ghana’s constitution under the guise of emergency powers. He underscored that such a decision could empower authorities to act with complete impunity, stating:
“In your frustration, you can call for measures that, when implemented, you may live to regret.”
He warned that key civil liberties—like the right to due process and protection from state overreach—could be jeopardized, and questioned the certainty that those deployed under emergency powers would legitimately target only illegal miners.
Democracy—or Chaos?
Legal experts have long cautioned that states of emergency carry inherent dangers, particularly when they come with broad executive powers and limited oversight. Asiedu Nketia echoed this concern, warning that:
“If you declare a state of emergency to fight galamsey, you suspend the constitution… People can shoot and kill at will. How do you even confirm that those pulling the triggers are actually fighting the illegal mining?”
His comments reflect a broader concern for accountability and human rights; in the absence of checks and balances, emergency powers can easily be misused to target political dissent or vulnerable communities.
Practical Solutions Over Authoritarian Measures
Acknowledging that galamsey remains a severe national crisis, Asiedu Nketia urged Ghana’s leaders and citizens to focus on practical, law-based solutions, not authoritarian shortcuts. He called for:
- Strengthened enforcement under existing legal frameworks
- Enhanced coordination between government bodies, environmental agencies, and communities
- Investment in community-based monitoring and public education
- Sustainable economic alternatives for affected mining regions
“Work is ongoing to deal with the galamsey problem,” he affirmed, urging stakeholders to channel efforts into solutions that uphold democratic values.
Ruling Party Not Aligned with Emergency Calls
Contrary to speculation, Asiedu Nketia clarified that the NDC has not officially endorsed calls for a state of emergency on illegal mining. The party’s stance remains that collective, inclusive approaches are more effective and sustainable than sweeping emergency declarations.
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A Warning for the Nation
As Ghana grapples with environmental degradation and regulatory challenges, Asiedu Nketia’s warnings serve as a sober reminder that democracy must not be sacrificed for expediency. Emergency declarations might offer short-term gains in enforcement, but they risk watering down rule of law, delaying long-term reform, and creating dangerous precedents for future governance.
As the national conversation continues to evolve, key stakeholders—government officials, civil society, and local communities—must deliberate on how best to protect Ghana’s natural resources without undermining democratic order. The focus should remain squarely on strengthening institutions and empowering citizens, not on silencing dissent or bypassing accountability.
Asiedu Nketia’s rejection of a state of emergency is a stand for conscience, constitutional integrity, and collective responsibility. As Ghana seeks solutions for galamsey, the nation must balance decisive action with democratic principles. Sustainability, transparency, and inclusivity—not emergency decrees—should form the foundation of the country’s crime-fighting and environmental strategies.
