President John Dramani Mahama has assured a state of emergency is not off the table concerning the fight against galamsey or illegal mining.

He spoke at a stakeholder dialogue with civil society groups in Accra today, Friday, October 3, 2025.

President Mahama noted he could make the executive decision but recognised the important role of security assessments before such a move.

“As at now, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without a state of emergency,” he said.

“But the day they advise me otherwise, that we need a state of emergency, I will not hesitate in declaring it,” he assured.

The Minority in Parliament, civil society organisations (CSOs), environmental activists, and religious leaders, among others, have called on the government to declare a state of emergency in illegal mining areas, given the disturbing ongoing scale of devastation.

The president emphasised his commitment to protecting the country's rich and vast natural environment in view of the current “poisoned rivers and desecrated forests”.

“Our forefathers handed us a beautiful country with forests, trees and rivers,” he noted.

He solemnly charged, “We must hand over the same, not destruction, to our children and grandchildren.”

The president noted that enforcement measures such as arrests and equipment seizures by government had seen some progress in the galamsey fight so far, plegding sustained combat of the menace.

He clarified he had no personal interest in galamsey, inviting sustained advocacy and vigilance by civil society to enhance accountability by government.

“This is not going to be a one-off dialogue,” President Mahama said.

“We will continue to engage, report transparently on progress, and ensure the ministries responsible for lands and the environment deliver results,” he added.