President John Dramani Mahama has stated that he will only declare a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, if advised to do so by the National Security Council.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House on Friday, October 3, 2025, President Mahama emphasised that the council so far believes the menace can be effectively addressed without resorting to a state of emergency.

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“The president acts on the advice of the National Security Council. The National Security Council believes we can win the fight without a state of emergency. The day they advise me otherwise, I will not hesitate in declaring,” he said.

His comments come amid heightened calls for a state of emergency to curb illegal mining activities across the country.

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Meanwhile, the government has declared all water bodies and forest reserves as security zones in the latest measure to fight the menace.

JKB/AE

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