Former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, says he feels vindicated by President John Mahama’s recent response to calls for a state of emergency on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to Mr Duker, Mahama’s position confirms his earlier stance that fighting galamsey requires practical measures and consistency, not political pronouncements
President John Dramani Mahama speaking at a meeting with the major Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, October 3, 2025 has stated that he will not hesitate to declare a state of emergency in mining communities if advised to do so by the National Security Council in the ongoing fight against galamsey.
The President explained that although he holds the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, such action has not yet been considered necessary by the council. He stressed that he strongly believes the battle against galamsey can be won through alternative strategies.
However, George Mireku Duker in an exclusive interview with AsaasePa News’ says he believes president Mahama should apologise to Ghanaians and admit that the fight against galamsey requires a collective, non-partisan approach.
He recalled that John Mahama once promised that Ghana’s water bodies would turn blue immediately after taking office, but has since failed to deliver on that assurance.
He emphasized that addressing the galamsey menace demands sincerity, consistency, and national unity rather than political rhetoric.
Source: asaaseradio.com
