A group fighting illegal mining wants President Mahama to declare emergencies in damaged areas. The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey said Thursday that environmental protection needs urgent action. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey leads the coalition and spoke at a press conference about their demands. The group wants emergency powers used only where illegal mining causes the worst harm. They pointed to constitutional provisions that allow regional emergency declarations.
The coalition also wants investigations into ruling party officials linked to illegal mining. They named Oscar Ofori Larbi from Aowin constituency as someone who should face scrutiny. Local party leaders from Axim and Dunkwa also drew accusations of involvement. The group believes these officials help criminals destroy forests and water sources. They want prosecutions if evidence supports the claims.
A government spokesman questioned whether emergency declarations would actually work. Paa Kwasi Schandorf from the Lands Ministry said such moves need strong policies behind them. He compared empty declarations to people who promise change but never act. Schandorf argued that symbolic gestures without practical plans accomplish nothing. The ministry official said effective anti-mining efforts require structured approaches rather than dramatic announcements.
The coalition also wants investigations into ruling party officials linked to illegal mining. They named Oscar Ofori Larbi from Aowin constituency as someone who should face scrutiny. Local party leaders from Axim and Dunkwa also drew accusations of involvement. The group believes these officials help criminals destroy forests and water sources. They want prosecutions if evidence supports the claims.
A government spokesman questioned whether emergency declarations would actually work. Paa Kwasi Schandorf from the Lands Ministry said such moves need strong policies behind them. He compared empty declarations to people who promise change but never act. Schandorf argued that symbolic gestures without practical plans accomplish nothing. The ministry official said effective anti-mining efforts require structured approaches rather than dramatic announcements.
