Food systems toxicologist and health risk assessment expert, Dr Ekpor Anyimah-Ackah, has called on President John Mahama to invoke a targeted state of emergency in illegal mining (galamsey) areas.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, October 4, Dr Anyimah-Ackah said that despite several anti-galamsey operations including Operation Vanguard and others, illegal mining activities have grown more dangerous and entrenched, with reports of armed operators in some areas.

“When a community is at risk, the President is supposed to address it,” he stated. “But when the operations of galamsey involve armed operators, and with all kinds of operations having come and gone, we must now consider stronger legal instruments.”

Citing Article 31 of Ghana’s Constitution, Dr Anyimah-Ackah clarified that a state of emergency does not necessarily mean a nationwide declaration, but can be applied strategically in hotspot areas, where galamsey poses the greatest threat to life, livelihoods and the environment.

“What we are calling for is that a state of emergency will give the President a legal reprieve — an environment that allows him to halt the activities of these armed racketeers,” he said.

He argued that such a declaration would provide the necessary powers for swift, coordinated, and lawful intervention while still upholding human rights protections.

“The reason why a state of emergency is evoked is that it gives the President powers to be efficient, while protecting human rights,” he explained.