National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team member Julius Fieve has opposed calls for the government to declare a state of emergency over illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, arguing that existing efforts should be allowed to progress before more drastic measures are considered.
Speaking on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Fieve acknowledged the concerns surrounding the destruction caused by illegal mining but maintained that the situation did not yet warrant an immediate declaration of a state of emergency.
He said he respected the position of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and other moral institutions, describing them as important voices in national discussions.
“I respect the opinions of the moral institutions, but I don’t, in a very humble way, agree on declaring a state of emergency,” he said.
Fieve added that he found it difficult to oppose the Bishops’ Conference because of its influence and role in promoting unity across religious and social groups.
“I find it very difficult coming against whatever they are saying because they are the last point of hope we have as a country,” he stated.
However, he argued that the government was committed to tackling galamsey and should be allowed to strengthen its ongoing efforts.
Fieve said security agencies and other relevant institutions would be better placed to determine when a state of emergency might become necessary and advise the government accordingly.
“When that time comes right for a state of emergency to be declared, those institutions will be in a better position to advise government,” he said.
He maintained that the President would act on the advice of the relevant institutions if circumstances required it, expressing hope that the government’s measures would eventually produce results.
