I have taken note of the recent statement made by Mr. Mustapha Gbande, Director of Operations at the Presidency, on TV3’s Hot Issues, in which he remarked:
“You go and impose a state of emergency, and you are expecting foreigners to come to your country to come and invest.”
As a Ghanaian and a development practitioner committed to good governance and sustainable economic progress, I find this statement deeply unfortunate, ill-informed, and potentially damaging to the public discourse on investment and national security.
The Strategic Role of Emergency Measures
Declaring a state of emergency—especially in the context of illegal mining (galamsey)—is not a declaration of national instability; rather, it is a legitimate constitutional tool used to restore order, protect national resources, and ensure long-term stability. When environmental degradation threatens the survival of our water bodies, our forests, and the livelihoods of our communities, decisive action is not only warranted—it is necessary.
International investors are not deterred by firmness in governance. In fact, responsible investors are encouraged when a government demonstrates a clear commitment to the rule of law, environmental sustainability, and long-term planning. Investment thrives where there is certainty, structure, and a demonstrable will to enforce regulations—not in permissive environments where illegality is tolerated.
A Clarification to Mr. Gbande
Mr. Gbande’s suggestion that emergency measures disqualify Ghana from being a viable investment destination is not only inaccurate, but also exposes a lack of understanding of how international capital functions. Global investors assess multiple indicators before committing funds, including:
• Political will to enforce laws and protect assets
• Environmental management and sustainability frameworks
• Security of tenure and respect for contractual obligations
• Institutional stability and corruption control
Emergency measures that are properly communicated, well-targeted, and lawfully executed actually enhance these indicators—not diminish them.
The NDC’s Track Record on Galamsey
It is also important to recall the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s inconsistent and, at times, complicit stance on illegal mining. In 2023, the NDC publicly criticized the enforcement measures taken against galamsey, describing them as “militarization” of mining communities. The party failed to propose any credible alternative, and their leadership has repeatedly politicized the issue rather than supporting a unified national front against this existential threat.
Such contradictions only further erode public trust and embolden those who profit from environmental destruction.
The Way Forward
Ghana must rise above partisan interests when dealing with matters of national security and economic sustainability. The galamsey menace affects every Ghanaian—rich or poor, north or south—and its resolution requires truth, courage, and informed leadership.
Statements such as Mr. Gbande’s not only mislead the public, but risk undermining the very policies that safeguard our future. I urge him, and others in positions of influence, to speak with insight, not incitement; and with the nation’s interests—not political expediency—at heart.
