A pro-democracy group, Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas devastated by illegal mining popularly referred to as galamsey as earlier demanded by his own National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The group has described galamsey as a national tragedy threatening the very soul of the nation, stressing that a state of emergency was long overdue to halt the destruction.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the CDM condemned the continued destruction of rivers and farmlands by galamsey operators, accusing government of not doing enough to stop the menace.
The CDM took issue with President Mahama’s apparent backtracking on earlier commitments.
“As an opposition leader, Mahama called galamsey an existential crisis and demanded a state of emergency,” the CDM pointed.
It however noted that now in office, President Mahama has decided to find excuses to renege on the call.
“I have been reluctant to implement a state of emergency in the galamsey fight because we have not exhausted the powers available to us without such a declaration,” the group recalled President Mahama’s response at his recently held media encounter at the Jubilee House.
The CDM described this as a case of moral inconsistency, ethical leadership failure, and political convenience overtaking duty.
“Illegal mining continues to poison Ghana’s vital water bodies — the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin rivers — and scar fertile lands beyond repair.
“The livelihoods of farmers, fisherfolk, and entire rural communities are collapsing under the weight of polluted waters and degraded soil,” the statement decried. is warning that Ghana risks democratic instability, environmental ruin, and worsening insecurity unless government acts decisively to confront illegal mining (galamsey) and violent conflicts in the north.
Galamsey and insecurity
In the strongly worded statement, the CDM also pointed out growing insecurity in the country.
The group described the twin crises as symptoms of governance failure, institutional weakness, and a troubling neglect of the constitutional duty to protect life, dignity, and the environment.
The CDM expressed alarm at the escalating conflicts in Bawku and parts of the Oti and Northern Regions, which have forced some residents to flee into Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Togo.
“The fact that Ghanaians now live as refugees in neighbouring countries is a damning indictment of state capacity.
“A government that cannot secure its borders, prevent violent conflict, or protect its citizens has abdicated its primary responsibility under the Constitution,” the CDM bemoaned.
It urged all arms of government and civil society to take urgent steps to reverse the worrying phenomenon.
“Parliament should hold the Executive accountable for its failures.
“The Judiciary must ensure prosecutions are free of political interference.
“Civil society and the media should intensify their watchdog role.
“Traditional and faith leaders should demand sustainable governance and peace,” the CDM reiterated.
It called called for leadership that rises above partisan interests to protect both citizens and the environment.
The group concluded with a sharp message to the government.
“The lives of Ghanaians matter. The health of our environment and the safety of our people are the true foundations of national prosperity.
“If rivers die, farms collapse, and communities are displaced by violence, no amount of rhetoric or political maneuvering can salvage the future of this country.”
