Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has raised serious allegations against the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, accusing several key officials of actively engaging in illegal small-scale mining, known as “galamsey,” despite public demands for its ban.
Ablakwa highlighted that government officials, including District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs), are involved in mining activities that contradict the government’s stance on halting galamsey.
He revealed that Hon. Ignatius Asaah Mensah, the DCE for Mpohor, registered a mining company named JKcem Mining in October 2023 and swiftly obtained a gold mining license in November 2023. The license, which allows him to mine in the Odumase-K9/Mpohor concession, came into effect in August 2024.
Hon. Frederick Korankye, MCE for Amenfi East, was found to have registered Kofreze Construction and Engineering Limited in 2017, and in January 2023, applied for and received a gold mining license, enabling him to mine in Wassa Amenfi East as of March 2024.
Ablakwa condemned the government for continuing to approve new mining licenses, despite calls from civil society and unions for an end to galamsey.
He cited the government’s approval of 11 new licenses on October 3, 2024, the same day the President was negotiating with labour leaders regarding the anti-galamsey strike.
The allegations underscore growing concerns about the government’s commitment to tackling the environmental and human toll of illegal mining in Ghana.
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