Energy analyst and New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, Kwadwo Poku, has urged the Council of State to take a more active role in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Mr Poku said the Council’s influence and position in governance place it in a unique position to help shape decisive action against the menace.

"They (Members of Council of State) should call him (President John Mahama) into a room and say forget what the politicians are telling you because if you leave him to make that decision in the cabinet, all the political conversation will overwhelm the goodwill," he stated.

He cited the Council’s past intervention in resolving issues surrounding the former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s case as proof of how its engagement can unite stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

Mr Poku stressed that ending illegal mining requires the combined effort of all national institutions and urged the Council of State not to remain on the sidelines.