The Convener of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Ing. Ken Ashigbey, has renewed calls for government to declare a state of emergency to deal with the country’s illegal mining crisis, warning that current regulatory measures are inadequate. According to him, the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies, environment, and livelihoods requires urgent extraordinary measures that go beyond routine law enforcement. Dr. Ashigbey argued that existing legal and administrative frameworks limit the President’s ability to act decisively against illegal miners and the thousands of excavators fueling the destruction. “Under the normal regime, you cannot just seize and dispose of over 7,000 excavators in circulation. You are constrained by lengthy legal processes. But under a state of emergency, the President can act swiftly without those restrictions,” he explained. He believes that the suspension of certain constitutional provisions under a state of emergency will empower government to confiscate and auction excavators, block access to mining sites, and deploy security forces more effectively. Dr. Ashigbey also called for a more permanent security presence in mining areas. He suggested the creation of specialized water protection units to patrol and secure rivers against pollution. “With a state of emergency, we can reinforce water bodies with dedicated water police and military presence to stop people from going near them. That is the only way to safeguard our sources of drinking water,” he said. He expressed disappointment that despite ongoing interventions, galamsey activities continue unabated, particularly in mining towns where excavators are still widely in use. Dr. Ashigbey criticized the Ministry of Interior for what he described as inadequate action against foreigners and politically connected individuals involved in the illegal trade. “The real challenge we face is the political exposure and influence of those behind galamsey. Some are rich and well-connected. Until we deal with them, ordinary interventions will not work,” he noted. While acknowledging efforts by President John Mahama and his ministers in the fight, Dr. Ashigbey maintained that only extraordinary political courage would yield results. “This is not about rhetoric. It is about using the tools available to the President to act. A state of emergency is not the first option, but given the scale of destruction, we are already beyond the last resort,” he stressed. He warned that failure to act decisively could leave future generations without potable water, citing reports of communities already struggling to access clean sources. Background Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has severely polluted Ghana’s major rivers including the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin, leaving treatment plants unable to supply safe water. Civil society groups and religious leaders, including the Catholic Bishops Conference, have urged government to declare a state of emergency to deal with the crisis.