The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency on galamsey as the illegal mining menace escalates into a national security threat.
The group expressed grave concern over the growing boldness and violent tendencies of illegal miners, following a recent incident in which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) boss, Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, and her team, including military and national security personnel, were forced to flee for their lives after being attacked by heavily armed galamsey operators dressed in CID vests.
According to the statement signed by Salam Mustapha, National Youth Organizer of the NPP, the fact that the EPA team, accompanied by armed state security officers, was overpowered by the miners is a serious indication that the galamsey syndicates have become a parallel force challenging state authority.
“Mr. President, this development is not only frightening but has set a new height of audacity and impunity by the galamsey cartels,” the statement read.
“If you have ever needed a definite reason to declare a state of emergency to quell the growing danger, then you have it now.”
The Youth Wing lamented that the galamsey operators’ ability to outgun and outnumber the security team was unprecedented in Ghana’s recent history. Even more disturbing, they said, was that national security reportedly directed the EPA boss and her team to withdraw rather than confront the illegal miners; an incident that led to a serious road accident as they fled.
“This situation,” the statement continued, “demonstrates a total breakdown of state control in galamsey affected areas and demands immediate, decisive presidential action.”
Read full statement below:
