Samuel Nartey GeorgeCommunication Minister Sam Nartey George has rejected suggestions that he called for a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, insisting his call has always been for targeted operations. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on September 30, he said surgical strikes by the security forces were the best way to deal with galamsey. I believe that you can have targeted operations without necessarily declaring a state of emergency. "People have said 'Sam George calls for a state of emergency'...I have never, ever called for a state of emergency,” he said. Mr George said President Mahama had shown more will to deal with the problem than the previous government.