Founder and Chairperson of the People’s National Party (PNP), Janet Asana Nabila, has criticised President John Mahama for failing to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

Speaking on JoyPrime’s Prime Morning on Monday, Ms Nabila said she was surprised that the President had not taken such decisive action given the scale of destruction caused by galamsey.

"I am very surprised and it pains me that I have seen NDC people supporting him. This is his (President Mahama) last time, so he doesn't care who is coming, whether the NDC party survives or not, he doesn't care," she said when the show host asked if she is surprised the president failed to declare state of emergency on galamsey.

She argued that if she were a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), she would prioritise the party’s long-term survival over loyalty to President Mahama: "If I am an NDC member at this particular moment, I will protect my party against President Mahama."

Ms Nabila contended that the NDC must hold the President accountable to the promises he made to Ghanaians before the 2024 elections, particularly on restoring degraded lands and safeguarding water bodies.

"I will rise up against President Mahama and tell him that, do what you told the people of Ghana you will do. We don't want the gold, pass the state of emergency and allow this galamsey thing to stop."

Her comments follow President Mahama’s recent statement that it is not yet time to declare a state of emergency on galamsey, as existing laws remain sufficient to tackle the menace if effectively enforced.

The government has faced growing pressure from civil society groups and environmental advocates to step up efforts in combating illegal mining, which continues to ravage rivers, forests, and farmlands across the country.