Galamsey has become a major socio-economic and environmental challenge.
Despite the potential economic benefits of mining, galamsey has been associated with severe consequences such as environmental degradation, health hazards, and the undermining of lawful economic activities.
It is crucial for the government to take decisive action to halt galamsey due to its negative impacts on the environment, public health, and the economy.
Accordingly, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, claims that government officials, whom Ghanaians are urging to ban all forms of small-scale mining and put an end to the galamsey crisis, are acting contrary to these calls.
Hon. Ablakwa indicated that shockingly, these leaders are instead incorporating more mining companies and acquiring new licenses to mine gold.
He specifically mentioned that the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Mpohor, Hon. Ignatius Asaah Mensah, registered a sole proprietorship under the name JKcem Mining on October 18, 2023.
“Hon. Ignatius Asaah Mensah hurriedly applied for a gold mining license on 17th November, 2023. His application was promptly approved by the Minerals Commission and the Lands Minister. His license code is: SSML-T2 12/2024.
“The Mpohor DCE’s gold mining license gave him the green light to commence gold mining within the Odumase-K9/Mpohor concession on 9th August, 2024. Instructively, the area of this concession is under his jurisdiction as DCE. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Amenfi East, Hon. Frederick Korankye also registered Kofreze Construction and Engineering Limited on 7th April, 2017”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
He revealed that on January 17, 2023, Hon. Frederick Korankye applied directly for a gold mining license, which was promptly approved by the Minerals Commission and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
Hon. Ablakwa pointed out that Korankye’s license, coded SSML-AS2 5/2024, permits him to actively mine gold as of March 21, 2024, within Wassa Amenfi East, where he serves as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
The MP expressed concern that the very heads of the metropolitan, municipal, and district security councils, who Ghanaians expect to enforce a ban on all forms of small-scale mining, are themselves actively participating in the harmful practice.
Government’s Inaction Against Irresponsible Mining Criticized
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa further argued that it is now evident why there has been no genuine effort by the government to combat irresponsible mining.
He emphasized that the reason many individuals in these mining communities feel empowered to continue their environmental destruction is that they are aware their “big men,” who should be enforcing the law, are also complicit.
Ablakwa asserted that when NPP politicians claim they fear losing parliamentary seats due to action against illegal mining, it is merely a diversion; the true concern is the potential loss of financial benefits they receive as direct beneficiaries of the mining activities.
“If the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government were serious about confronting the galamsey menace, none of their MMDCEs would be allowed to actively engage in small-scale mining, no matter what justification they may create. What a sorry republic!
“It is equally depressing and an utter betrayal to additionally observe that on October 3, 2024, while President Akufo-Addo was meeting the leadership of Organised Labour and seeking to talk them out of their consequential and life-saving anti-galamsey strike, his government approved 11 new mining licenses with an October 3, 2024 mining start date. (The same day he was meeting the labour leaders)”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The MP remarked that if the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government truly respected Ghanaians and valued their lives, they would have, at the very least, suspended the approval of new mining licenses while the country collectively works on addressing the ongoing existential threat.
He emphasized that when a government becomes the actual adversary, anti-galamsey protesters inevitably face disgraceful human rights violations, as is currently being witnessed.
Hon. Ablakwa urged that these distressing developments should bolster the resolve of Organized Labour, encouraging them not to relent until their demands are fully met. “Thankfully, Ghanaians have always defeated tyrants, oppressors, and plunderers!”
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