Galamsey: Delayed State of Emergency could hurt Mahama’s govt – Inusah Fuseini

Former MP Inusah Fuseini has urged President Mahama to declare a state of emergency on mining. He cites rising environmental damage and risks to public health. This situation threatens future generations.

Fuseini believes illegal mining's impact requires urgent action. A state of emergency would freeze all existing mining licenses. This would allow the government to reclaim affected areas.

"When you declare a state of emergency, you freeze all rights," he explained. This would help protect the environment from illegal miners.

He warned that delays could harm the Mahama administration. The government's response to illegal small-scale mining is crucial for its success. "This issue will define our term," he stated in an interview with Joy FM.

Fuseini reminded listeners that the NDC promised to declare a state of emergency while in opposition. They also pledged to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves. He stressed that fulfilling these promises is about "moral integrity."

He welcomed recent steps toward repealing this law. Fuseini linked polluted rivers to rising kidney disease and birth defects. He warned of a health crisis if water bodies continue to deteriorate.

Unchecked exploitation could turn Ghana's landscapes into deserts, he cautioned. He urged Ghanaians to protect forests and rivers for future generations, invoking intergenerational equity principles.

Recalling his involvement in environmental protests, he suggested swift presidential action could prevent further demonstrations. "The demonstration may not become necessary anymore," he said, urging the government to honor its pledges to the people of Ghana.