The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has expressed his opposition to the calls for declaring a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

He believes such a move would not effectively address the issue, which has caused significant environmental harm across the country.

In recent weeks, there has been mounting pressure from civil society organizations (CSOs), unions, and individuals for the government to take drastic measures to halt the destructive activities of galamsey.

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The illegal mining operations have wreaked havoc on the country’s natural resources, leading to widespread concern.

Although he acknowledged the severity of the environmental damage, Salam Mustapha argued that declaring a state of emergency is not the most viable solution.

Instead, he called for a more strategic and sustainable approach that addresses the root causes of the problem and ensures long-term resolution.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM on Thursday, September 26, Mr. Mustapha stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to tackling illegal mining.

He emphasised the importance of engaging all stakeholders, including local communities, traditional leaders, and relevant authorities, to find lasting solutions.

He further urged the government to focus on strengthening existing regulations and intensifying enforcement efforts to deter illegal miners, while also promoting alternative livelihoods for those involved in galamsey activities.

This, he noted, would offer a more comprehensive and sustainable path to resolving the issue.

“I don’t see how a state of emergency solves the problem. I don’t see it being the solution. The solution is understanding it from the root. How come today a farmer can sell his cocoa [farm] to a galamseyer."

He further indicated that “There is more to it than just the periphery that we are attacking. So if we don’t come back, have a whole rethink of this thing then we will keep fighting."

“We will do about a year the thing goes down then the next year when no one is talking about it again it hits again. That back and forth doesn’t solve the problem.”