The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately declare a state of emergency to tackle the escalating menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which they describe as a growing national security threat.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Salam Mustapha, the NPP’s National Youth Organizer, the group expressed grave concern over the recent attack on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) boss, Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, and her team, who reportedly escaped an ambush by armed galamsey operators disguised as CID officers.
“The development is not only frightening but has set a new height of audacity and impunity by the galamsey cartels,” the statement read. “If you have ever needed a definite reason to declare a state of emergency to quell the growing danger, then you have it now.”
The Youth Wing warned that illegal miners are increasingly outgunning security agencies, suggesting that national security operatives were being overpowered in the field. They criticized the national security secretariat for allegedly mismanaging the situation and failing to neutralize the threat.
Citing the deaths of eight security personnel during a recent operation, the statement described the situation as dire and comparable to insurgent activities in oil-producing regions of Nigeria.
“This is how guerrilla wars begin,” it cautioned. “The threat to national security cannot be overemphasized. This matter cannot be swept under the carpet and treated as business as usual.”
The NPP Youth Wing further urged President Mahama to dismiss all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in areas where galamsey persists, accusing them of either complicity or negligence.
“Danger beckons, and your inaction will break the camel’s back,” the statement concluded, demanding swift and decisive leadership to avert a national catastrophe.