OccupyGhana, a prominent pressure group, has intensified its campaign against the rampant illegal mining, locally known as "galamsey," by issuing a stark "Galamsey Reminder" to President John Mahama. On October 3, 2025, precisely three years after their initial call for decisive action, the group formally demanded the immediate declaration of a state of emergency in all mining areas across Ghana. OccupyGhana contends that the crisis, which has been escalating, now poses an "existential threat" to the nation, warranting the invocation of specific constitutional powers.

The group’s renewed plea is anchored in Article 31(9) of the 1992 Constitution, which permits emergency measures in situations imperiling "the essentials of life, public safety and national survival." OccupyGhana highlights recent acknowledgements of the crisis's severity, citing Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s statement from September 15, 2025, that the "existential threat that Galamsey is, 'has become worse'" despite ongoing counter-efforts. Over the past three years, the group asserts, the crisis has dramatically worsened, leading to the destruction of over 60% of Ghana's water bodies, devastating prime farmlands, and contaminating air and soil with toxic chemicals.

The repercussions of unregulated mining are far-reaching, inflicting severe damage on Ghana’s economy and public health. Financially, experts estimate an annual loss exceeding $2.4 billion in state revenue due to tax, royalty, and regulatory fee evasion by illegal miners. This substantial fiscal drain severely impedes the government’s capacity to fund crucial environmental restoration and social interventions. Environmentally, galamsey operations, particularly in gold-rich regions like Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Ghana, introduce dangerously high levels of heavy metals such as mercury and cyanide into vital water sources, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim rivers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings, noting that mercury concentrations in local fish have, in some affected areas, been found to be three times higher than safe consumption levels. These environmental contaminants have direct human health consequences, linked to an increase in birth-related complications, neurological disorders, and chronic conditions like kidney dysfunction among local populations, especially those dependent on surface water sources for their daily needs.

To initiate a State of Emergency, OccupyGhana has meticulously outlined the constitutional steps mandated by Article 31(1) and 31(2). First, the President must seek and obtain the advice of the Council of State. Following this, a formal Proclamation declaring the state of emergency must be issued in the Gazette. Crucially, Parliament must then be immediately recalled from its recess to review the facts and circumstances underpinning the declaration. This parliamentary debate is essential for ratifying the emergency period and empowering the government with the necessary mandate to effectively address and contain the crisis. OccupyGhana expressed regret over the government's previous inaction, stating that earlier reminders had received "no acknowledgment, no response and no action." Despite this, the group remains committed to a constructive path forward, offering "suggestions and proposals on how to establish a properly regulated artisanal mining industry in Ghana" once the immediate crisis is under control. This urgent call for emergency action comes amidst increasing pressure on the government, further underscored by recent news of the Acting Chief Justice advocating for judges and magistrates to prioritize and expedite galamsey prosecutions, signifying a unified recognition of the crisis's grave nature across different branches of government.