Occupy Ghana Calls For Declaration Of State Of Emergency At All Mining Sites

Occupy Ghana has called on President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency at all mining sites in the country as the first step to solving the menace of illegal mining the country is saddled with.

In an open letter addressed to the head of State, the pressure group said “until a drastic” step is taken by the government, the situation cannot be controlled.

“We are convinced that the unprecedented and rampant scale of unregulated and illegal mining has reached a stage where under Article 31(9) of the Constitution, it constitutes a ‘situation in which any action is taken or is immediately threatened to be taken by any person or body of persons which—(a) is calculated or likely to deprive the community of the essentials of life; or (b) renders necessary the taking of measures which are required for securing the public safety, the defence of Ghana and the maintenance of public order and supplies and services essential to the life of the community’.”

The group requests that this be done in accordance with the law.

It also assured the government of its expertise in the fight against illegal mining.

“For our part, we have, and are willing to offer, suggestions and proposals on how to establish a properly regulated artisanal mining industry in Ghana that would benefit the wider interest of all Ghanaians.”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini