Mustapha Gbande believes Ghana needs thoughtful action, not panic, in addressing illegal mining. The Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency and NDC’s Deputy General Secretary has pushed back against calls for a state of emergency over the galamsey crisis.
During an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, Gbande warned that such a declaration isn’t something to make lightly. “We shouldn’t be so quick to call for a state of emergency. This is not something you simply impose,” he said. He explained that current military operations are reclaiming forest reserves and making them no-go zones for illegal miners.
Gbande pointed out the visible efforts of the government. “We are making sure the responsible institutions are functioning and doing so better than before,” he stated. He argued that Ghana doesn’t need an emergency declaration, especially now that the cedi is stabilising and the economy is improving due to gold regulations.
He also praised the Ministers for Lands and Natural Resources and the Interior for showing strong leadership. According to him, their efforts have led to arrests and extraditions of illegal mining offenders. “I have already spoken about the Minister for Lands’ dedication. For the first time, I’ve also highlighted the Interior Minister’s resolve,” Gbande added.
He reminded Ghanaians that fighting galamsey requires everyone’s involvement. “Anyone involved in illegal mining will face the full force of the law,” he said. “It’s up to all of us to expose those within and outside government who support this illegal activity.” Gbande ended with a warning: “This is a matter we must handle with tact.”
