President John Dramani Mahama says he will not hesitate to declare a state of emergency in areas affected by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, if Ghana’s National Security Council advises that it is necessary.

Speaking at a stakeholder dialogue with civil society groups in Accra on Friday, Mr Mahama stressed that while he has the constitutional power to take such a decision, it must be guided by security assessments.

“As at now, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency. But the day they advise me otherwise, that we need a state of emergency, I will not hesitate in declaring it,” he said.

The president’s remarks follow mounting pressure from civil society organisations, environmental campaigners and religious leaders who have repeatedly urged the government to declare a state of emergency in illegal mining zones. They argue that the scale of environmental destruction — from polluted rivers to devastated forests — requires extraordinary measures to curb the crisis.

In recent months, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and several CSOs have called for decisive state action, warning that failure to act could permanently damage water resources and threaten rural livelihoods.

Mr Mahama insisted that the government’s current approach, which includes deploying more troops, equipping joint task forces and allocating extra resources, is beginning to yield results.

He urged civil society to sustain advocacy and pressure, saying this would help hold ministries and agencies accountable.

“This is not going to be a one-off dialogue. We will continue to engage, report transparently on progress, and ensure the ministries responsible for lands and the environment deliver results.”

The president underlined his commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural heritage, warning against passing on “poisoned rivers and desecrated forests” to future generations.

“Our forefathers handed us a beautiful country with forests, trees and rivers. We must hand over the same, not destruction, to our children and grandchildren.”

Mr Mahama added that he has no personal interest in galamsey and pledged that the government’s campaign would continue until meaningful progress is achieved.