The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has said that demands for a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) is a “draconian and far-reaching” action, citinewsroom.com reports.

He added that the fight against illegal mining is very imperative to the government, however, extreme measures could result in unplanned effects on the economy, livelihoods and governance.

“Declaring a state of emergency, that is in the bosom of the president, but I find that being far-reaching, [being] a very draconian measure to take," he said.

During a media engagement in Accra, Abu Jinapor acknowledged the several concerns raised by citizens and the rising frustrations about the dangerous effects of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment.

He, however, urged caution concerning calls for a state of emergency, warning that it can result in huge economic instability.

The minister gave assurance of the government’s negotiations with labour unions and Civil Society Organisations on the best solutions to fight illegal mining.

“So, we will engage him and we will have this conversation, and I believe out of that, we maybe need to come up with some consensus that we can work with,” he added.

Trades Union Congress, some Civil Society Organisations, chiefs and some citizens have called on the government to, as a matter or of urgency, issue a ban on illegal mining as well as declare a state of emergency in all illegal mining areas.

The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has also given the government a one-month ultimatum to put an end to illegal mining else he will unite with other chiefs to take back their lands.

Organised Labour on September 11, threatened to go on a nationwide strike at the end of September if steps are not taken to address the worsening galamsey crisis.

RAD/AE

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