Chairman of the NPP Council of Elders, Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, has warned that declaring a state of emergency will not, on its own, resolve Ghana’s worsening galamsey menace.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on September 17, the veteran politician said while he would support the move if it proved to be the most effective option, emergency powers must not be treated as a quick fix.

“If that is the way to go to correct the situation, yes, then I’ll support it. But is it the way to go? You just don’t get up and say, declare a state of emergency. What are the details? What are we declaring? I’ve declared a state of emergency. So what? What is it?

"So let us get a list of when you declare a state of emergency, the thing that you go through, and the thing that will happen, then that must happen.

"And, for that matter, then begin to solve the problem and salvage the river bodies and systems and everybody,” he argued.

According to him, Ghana’s approach must be guided by clear steps and measurable outcomes rather than slogans. “I don’t think just saying, declare an emergency, per se, in the situation.

"But if there are other steps before that, then let’s quickly go through them to see whether we can resolve,” he stated.

Mr Owusu-Agyemang noted that while some believe the country is not yet at the point where a state of emergency is necessary, what matters is whether it will genuinely solve the problem.

“With the utmost respect, that is his view that we are not there yet. Some people think that, if the state of emergency is what will solve the situation, then by all means will do it. But if it’s not, be it and end it all.

"If it’s not going to be the thing that will solve the situation immediately, then you have to look at it and do it properly. Otherwise, you might find that you have made a situation even worse,” he cautioned.

He stressed that the consequences of such a drastic measure must be well thought through.

“The state of emergency is not something that you do just like that. You have to go through certain motions, and you have to give the populace advice and why you are doing that sort of thing.

"So, the state of emergency, I would want that to begin to expatiate on what that would achieve,” he explained.

For him, the urgency of the galamsey problem is undeniable, but the solution must be comprehensive. “

Water is very important, so the earlier we find the solution today, the better. I’m saying, if the state of emergency is the one that should do it, then let’s do it.

"But if there are other ways of doing it, also let it. Because the moment you start a state of emergency on every little thing, no... but there’s a major issue, major issue,” he said.

Hackman Owusu-Agyemang urged those calling for a state of emergency to make their case clearly and outline how such a move would deliver results.

“Those who are calling for a state of emergency have up their sleeves the reasons why and how we would go to make sure that we achieve the results.

"If you are, you have a state of emergency, and you don’t achieve the result, then you would have really disturbed the constitutional processes for nothing,” he warned.