A founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has called on President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency to stem the escalating illegal mining (galamsey) crisis in Ghana.

According to Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment and public health, necessitates urgent and decisive action from the government.

In an interview with Joy News on Thursday, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe expressed deep concern over the continuing rise in illegal mining activities, especially in Ghana's forest reserves. He stressed that despite existing laws and enforcement efforts, illegal miners have become increasingly emboldened, operating with little regard for the environment or the law.

"I just saw on the news that new galamsey activities are taking place in some forest areas. They're digging right now. People have become so used to it, they don’t care anymore because they believe the law won’t hold them accountable."

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Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe emphasised that all forms of illegal mining—whether small-scale or large-scale—must be halted immediately, particularly in forest reserves and environmentally sensitive areas. “Whether it's galamsey or any other form of illegal mining, it must be stopped," he urged.

While acknowledging that illegal mining is less of an issue in urban areas like Greater Accra, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe pointed out that the regions where galamsey is rampant require immediate intervention. "We don’t need a state of emergency in Accra, but in areas where illegal mining is actively destroying forests and water bodies, something drastic needs to be done," he said. "If we leave this matter to the police alone, we’re just wasting our time."

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Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe highlighted the severe toll illegal mining is taking on public health, including the rise of birth defects, kidney disease, and liver conditions.

He warned that polluted water sources and environmental degradation are already causing irreparable harm to Ghanaians, and the situation will only worsen if left unchecked.

"We are seeing cases that never used to appear in our hospitals," he explained. "Kidney diseases are on the rise, liver diseases, and all sorts of health complications. Our water bodies are polluted. These are all signs that we are running out of time. The president needs to act now and declare a state of emergency."

Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe issued a stern warning to Ghanaians and the government alike. "This is the time for President Akufo-Addo to step up and show real leadership. Anything can happen, and if we don’t act, we’re heading for disaster. Mark my words—we are walking into danger."