Explainer: What is State of Emergency?

The galamsey menace has sparked a firestorm of outrage, with calls for a state of emergency growing louder by the day!

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) was among the first to fire the warning shot, threatening a nationwide strike, if government did not heed to their demands.

Then followed Organised Labour adding its voice to the growing clamour. For them, a declaration of a state of emergency, will tackle the galamsey crisis head-on.

The Media Coalition Against Galamsey (MCAG) has also joined in calling for drastic action to halt the destruction.

So, what is a state of emergency?

Article 31(1) and (9) of the 1992 constitution, “allows the President to declare a state of emergency when Ghana is at war, or in the event of an imminent threat to national security, public safety, or the environment.”

In essence, it allows for swift action to restore order, protect citizens, and address the emergency, which may include
– Imposition of curfews, restrictions on movement, and assembly, and;
– Deployment of the military to support civil authorities

Under Article 31(1) and (2) the procedure for such a declaration is outlined, it includes;
– Consultation with the Council of State and;
– Notification to Parliament by the president of the facts and circumstances leading to the declaration

To prevent abuse of power; Article 31(3) requires Parliament to review and approve the state of emergency within 72 hours.

But what will such a declaration mean for the Ghanaian economy? Well let’s find out.

In 2023, 4 million ounces of gold were produced in Ghana. Currently Gold contributes around 7% to Ghana’s GDP, with artisanal mining happening in 14 of Ghana’s 16 regions.

Artisanal and small-scale mining employ approximately 1 million people, contributing to 40% of gold production, with an additional 5 million people depending on them for their livelihoods.

However, 85% of the of 1 million mining operators are unlicensed. A declaration of a state of emergency might mean a total halt on all gold mining activities, subject to the terms of government.

That will mean the country will be losing approximately 120 million dollars over the last three months of the year.
As the pressure mounts, will the government heed the call and declare a state of emergency?

The nation waits with bated breath.

 

The post Explainer: What is State of Emergency? first appeared on 3News.

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