Entrepreneur and lawyer Victoria Bright has urged the government to declare a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, arguing that Ghana has run out of alternative measures.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, she said all other approaches have either been exhausted or proven ineffective, making a decisive and unified strategy necessary.

"There have been many steps taken; we can no longer afford to exhaust alternative tools, if they have not been exhausted already, but I think we have," she stated.

Victoria Bright explained that a state of emergency would bring all stakeholders together under one directive.

"It is to unite everyone, NDC, NPP, the chiefs, civil society, and all Ghanaians. It gives drastic powers, it is a direction, and everybody must follow. You don't have a choice," she emphasised.

Her remarks come as public pressure mounts on the government to take tougher action against illegal mining, which continues to devastate the environment and pollute water bodies.

Meanwhile, President John Mahama has rejected calls for a state of emergency, insisting that there are still other avenues to explore in addressing the galamsey crisis.