The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency to combat the escalating menace of illegal mining (galamsey), citing growing threats to national security.
In a statement signed by Salam Mustapha, the NPP’s National Youth Organizer, the group expressed alarm at what it described as the increasing boldness and impunity of illegal miners across the country.
The statement follows reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) boss, Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, and her team—comprising national security and military officers—were attacked by suspected galamsey operators during a field operation.
According to the NPP Youth Wing, the EPA officials “had to run for their lives” after being overpowered by heavily armed galamseyers dressed in CID vests.
The statement said the incident demonstrated a serious national security threat and a new level of audacity from the illegal mining cartels.
“Mr. President, if you have ever needed a definite reason to declare a state of emergency to quell the growing danger, then you have it now. There has never been such bold audacity shown by these galamseyers,” the statement read.
The NPP Youth Wing criticized what it described as the failure of the national security secretariat to adequately respond to the threat, alleging that the EPA boss and her team were left vulnerable during the operation.
The statement further linked the issue to broader security concerns, warning that if left unchecked, the situation could evolve into an organized armed conflict similar to those seen in other regions affected by illegal resource extraction.
“This is how guerrilla wars begin, with examples around the world such as the armed groups around the Rivers State in Nigeria,” the group warned, adding that the matter “cannot be swept under the carpet or treated as business as usual.”
The NPP Youth Wing also demanded that the President dismiss all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in areas where galamsey persists, accusing them of either negligence or complicity.
“Either they have failed or they are tacitly involved and have approval from top echelons,” the statement said.
Citing a recent clash between residents and members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) in Asutifi, the youth wing accused President Mahama of failing to protect security personnel and of remaining silent in the face of mounting lawlessness.
“Mr. President, we are alarmed. Danger beckons, and your inaction will break the camel’s back,” the statement concluded, urging immediate government intervention.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
