SIAW MADELA, POLITICAL ANALYST: PRESIDENT MAHAMA SHOULD EXPLAIN HIS POSITION ON GALAMSEY AND STATE OF EMERGENCY

Political Analyst Siaw Madela is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to clarify his previous comments and his current position on the possible declaration of a state of emergency to deal with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. According to Siaw Madela, President Mahama should explain why he is now saying that he never stated that he would declare a state of emergency over galamsey, while there have been previous statements from him indicating that such a measure could be considered. President Mahama recently stated that he had “never ever said” he would declare a state of emergency over galamsey, describing such a declaration as a last resort and questioning how it could effectively be applied to a problem affecting several regions of the country. However, in October 2025, President Mahama was reported as saying that although he had the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, he would do so if the National Security Council advised that it was necessary. Siaw Madela therefore believes Ghanaians deserve clarity on the President’s previous statements and his current position, particularly regarding the measures required to address the environmental and social effects of illegal mining. The debate over a state of emergency has also involved civil society groups, some of which have publicly called for such action. GhanaFact, however, reported that the NDC’s 2024 manifesto did not specifically promise to declare a state of emergency over galamsey. Siaw Madela says the clarification would help the public better understand the President’s position and the government’s approach to tackling illegal mining.