The National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has warned that a state of emergency might jeopardise Ghana’s democracy and has rejected proposals for one in the fight against illegal mining.
In an interview with Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 26, he admitted that illegal mining is still a major national issue, but cautioned that putting constitutional rule on hold in an attempt to address it will lead to additional issues rather than answers.
“Work is being done about the galamsey fight, and we hope to be able to find solutions to it. But I don’t subscribe to the declaration of the state of emergency as other people are suggesting. In your frustration, you can call for certain measures that, when we begin implementing, you may live to regret,” he issued a warning.
Many people advocating for such harsh measures would not fully comprehend the ramifications of the emergency rule, Mr. Nketiah contended.
“If you intend to deal with galamsey and you declare a state of emergency, it means you have suspended the constitution. People can shoot and kill at will. How will you be sure that those who are shooting and killing are the ones fighting galamsey? That is another matter,” he stated.
He emphasised that the fight against illegal mining necessitates extensive reforms based on the rule of law and urged the public to concentrate on putting up positive and long-lasting solutions.
However, he insists that rather than drastic steps that would jeopardise Ghana’s democracy, the way forward must be based on the rule of law and reforms that are driven by consensus.
