President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that he has never announced plans to declare a state of emergency over illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, saying such a measure would only be considered as a last resort.
Speaking about the government’s ongoing anti-galamsey operations, President Mahama rejected claims that he had committed to declaring a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining in Ghana.
He explained that although a state of emergency is a legitimate constitutional tool, it comes with significant legal implications and should therefore be used only when other measures are insufficient. His comments were reported on September 26, 2026.
Mahama: State of Emergency Should Be a Last Resort
President Mahama said a state of emergency is generally intended to address a specific and temporary crisis, allowing government to concentrate resources and security operations within a defined area.
He questioned how such a declaration could practically be implemented nationwide because galamsey activities affect multiple regions of Ghana.
According to the President, illegal mining is not restricted to a single location, making it difficult to determine where a state of emergency would be imposed.
He also highlighted the implications for individual rights and due process that can accompany emergency powers, including expanded powers of arrest and detention.
Ghana Army Clears Nine Forest Reserves
President Mahama said the government’s current strategy has focused heavily on forest reserves that have experienced serious illegal mining incursions.
He identified nine forest reserves that were classified as high-risk or “red zones” because of the extent of illegal mining activities and security concerns involving armed individuals.
According to the President, the Ghana Army has cleared illegal miners from all nine reserves.
Government documents have also previously identified nine forest reserves as having been reclaimed through joint security operations, while the administration has reported arrests and the seizure or destruction of mining equipment as part of its anti-galamsey efforts.
Military Camps Established to Prevent Return of Illegal Miners
President Mahama explained that government has changed its approach following earlier operations in which security personnel cleared illegal miners before leaving the affected areas.
He said such a strategy allowed some miners to return after the security forces withdrew.
Under the current approach, the government is establishing military camps within affected forest reserves after clearing operations to maintain a security presence and prevent illegal miners from returning.
The President described the fight against galamsey as a complex operation requiring sustained enforcement rather than short-term interventions.
Government Targets Illegal Mining on Water Bodies
The government’s anti-galamsey efforts have also been extended to Ghana’s rivers and other water bodies, according to President Mahama.
He specifically mentioned the Ankobra River, where water guards have been deployed as part of efforts to protect the waterway from illegal mining.
President Mahama said several changfan mining machines operating on the Ankobra have been removed and destroyed.
He added that there are signs of gradual improvement in parts of the river following the enforcement operations.
Illegal mining has been associated with environmental damage and water pollution in communities along the Ankobra and other affected waterways, making river protection a major component of Ghana’s broader anti-galamsey campaign.
Galamsey Remains a Major Environmental Issue in Ghana
The government’s continued enforcement campaign comes amid ongoing reports of illegal mining activities in parts of Ghana.
For example, the Forestry Commission reported the arrest of 12 suspected illegal miners in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in September 2026, demonstrating that enforcement challenges remain even as security operations continue in protected areas.
The environmental organisation A Rocha Ghana has also reported concerns about illegal mining encroachment in a number of forest reserves, while government agencies have said such reports are receiving attention.
Mahama Says Government Will Continue Anti-Galamsey Fight
President Mahama maintained that the government has identified key illegal mining locations and is concentrating resources on the areas considered most affected.
Rather than immediately declaring a nationwide state of emergency, his administration is relying on measures including military deployment, permanent security presence in selected forest reserves, water guards and the destruction or removal of illegal mining equipment.
The President said the objective is to prevent illegal miners from returning after enforcement operations and to protect Ghana’s forest reserves, rivers and other natural resources.
The debate over whether Ghana should use emergency powers in the fight against galamsey continues, but the government’s stated position is that a state of emergency remains a last-resort option, while existing security and enforcement measures are being pursued.
Source: newsthemegh.com