President John Dramani Mahama has declared a national emergency in response to the spike in illegal mining activity in several regions of the nation and vowed to step up efforts to confront the escalating situation.

He reaffirmed the government's determination to crack down on illicit mining activities and specifically denounced the environmental damage that galamsey had caused in Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso.

President Mahama made the following remarks at a durbar on Tuesday, July 15, while on his "Thank You Tour" of the Western North Region: "We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining.

I must be honest, this is a national emergency.