Dormaahene, Now Appeal Court Judge, Says Galamsey Has Reduced — Rejects State of Emergency Calls

The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, known in private life and in the judiciary as Justice Daniel Mensah, has dismissed calls for the declaration of a state of emergency to tackle Ghana’s illegal mining crisis, insisting that galamsey activities have already reduced.

Dormaahene, a known member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was recently promoted by government to the Court of Appeal. Speaking after his elevation, he argued that while galamsey remains a challenge, there is no need to trigger emergency powers.

“From all the assessments available, galamsey has gone down significantly. What we need is sustained enforcement and community engagement, not a state of emergency that may disrupt lives,” he said.

His comments come at a time when civil society groups, traditional leaders, and environmental activists are urging government to take stronger measures to protect water bodies and farmlands that remain under severe threat. Rivers such as Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim continue to show alarming levels of pollution.

Critics argue that Dormaahene’s new judicial appointment and party ties raise questions about the neutrality of his comments. Some observers believe his remarks may reflect the NDC government’s reluctance to declare a state of emergency, despite rising pressure from the public.

Nevertheless, Dormaahene stressed that alternative livelihoods, stricter law enforcement, and dialogue with affected communities are the best tools to tackle illegal mining in the long term.

The debate over whether Ghana should adopt emergency powers in the fight against galamsey, however, is unlikely to end soon.