Private legal practitioner Victoria Bright has called for the declaration of a state of emergency to tackle the growing menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing it as an existential threat to the nation.
Her call follows a viral video showing a police reinforcement team rescuing nine soldiers from a violent confrontation with illegal miners at Ahafo Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
The soldiers, reportedly on national assignment in Goaso, had discovered an illegal mining site at Bronikrom near Hwidiem and arrested the site owner. Speaking on to the media, Ms. Bright expressed frustration over the lack of decisive action, insisting that the consequences of inaction are already visible.
She questioned the motivation of those involved in galamsey, stressing that Ghanaians must uphold values that go beyond the pursuit of money.
Ms. Bright emphasized that illegal mining is not a partisan issue but a national one, warning that the continued destruction of natural resources poses a grave threat to the country’s future.
She further described the recent clash between civilians and soldiers as “ridiculous,” urging the government to take bold and urgent steps to protect national security.
