Mahama Must Declare State of Emergency on Galamsey- Eco-Conscious Citizens Press Release

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the environmental space are urging President John Mahama to, as a matter of
urgency, to declare a state of emergency.
“We urge you as a matter of urgency to declare a state of emergency (or issue an executive order) and remove all
mining equipment and miners from our forest reserves and water bodies, and stop issuing licenses to mine in forest
reserves,” the group has stated.
They have also called for the repeal L.I. 2462 and E.I. 144, to pause small scale/community mining and investigate
all those named in Prof. Frimpong Boateng's report.
“The Polluter Pays Policy must be upheld, to ensure that the private wealth created by poisoning us and destroying
Ghana is used to clean up the mess.
“Finally, we would like to use this opportunity to urge you to consider transforming the National Cathedral grounds
at Ridge, which has been described as “the world's most expensive hole”, to Accra Central Park and cause trees to
be planted there, as part of your Tree For Life initiative,” the groups have stated.
The statement was signed by Awula Serwah, Eco-Conscious Citizens Founder/Executive Director and coordinator
of the CSOs.
The statement was contained in an open letter to President Mahama titled ‘New Government, But
Environmentalists' Demands Still The Same’.
It was dated January, 2025.
They congratulated Mr. President on his election victory and the overwhelming mandate Ghanaians have given him.
“Our thanks too for an inauguration ceremony which featured the best of Ghanaian culture and made us proud,” he
said.
They stated that Ghanaians will continue to support President Mahama so long as they see him putting Ghana first.
“It is noted that you plan to reset Ghana and introduce a 24-hour economy. I am sure you will agree that to do this
you need a healthy environment and workforce.
“We currently face an existential threat as a consequence of ecocide from illegal mining. Polluted water bodies,
ravaged farms and a compromised food chain are of great concern.
“Our forest reserves continue to be decimated, and our water bodies and soil are being poisoned. As a consequence,
there is a rise in kidney disease, cancers, neurological challenges, maternal deaths, still births, and deformed babies
especially in so called Galamsey areas.
“Our food chain has been compromised, cocoa farms destroyed, and over 2 million peasant farmers are at risk of
losing their livelihood. In addition, there are national security concerns from the prevailing lawlessness of the illegal
miners and their security personnel.
“It is important that the canker of illegal mining is addressed as a matter of urgency.
“A healthy nation will benefit from useful reforms, but an ailing, poisoned population in need of dialysis machines
cannot provide a healthy, reliable workforce, and will be a strain on the health budget.
“We wish you well and hope you will use your clear majority to reset Ghana for a healthy environment, devoid of
the ravages of illegal mining,” the statement concluded.