Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has revealed that government officials, who should be working to curb illegal mining, are instead securing mining licenses for themselves amidst the public outcry to ban all forms of small-scale mining. In a detailed Twitter post, Ablakwa disclosed shocking evidence that government representatives are not only failing to tackle illegal mining, but are actively participating in it, further fueling the ongoing galamsey crisis.
According to Ablakwa, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Mpohor, Hon. Ignatius Asaah Mensah, registered a sole proprietorship named JKcem Mining on October 18, 2023, and subsequently applied for a gold mining license on November 17, 2023. This application was promptly approved by the Minerals Commission and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, allowing him to begin mining in the Odumase-K9/Mpohor concession on August 9, 2024, an area within his jurisdiction as DCE.
Similarly, Ablakwa revealed that the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Amenfi East, Hon. Frederick Korankye, registered Kofreze Construction and Engineering Limited in 2017. He applied for a gold mining license in January 2023, which was approved, enabling him to start mining within Wassa Amenfi East on March 21, 2024, where he serves as MCE.
Ablakwa criticized these officials for being involved in what he described as a “killer enterprise,” accusing them of contributing to environmental destruction while pretending to support efforts to end galamsey. He argued that their actions demonstrate why there has been no real effort by the government to combat illegal mining. He also pointed out that their involvement in mining makes them unlikely to enforce laws against irresponsible practices, especially since they themselves stand to benefit.
The North Tongu MP further noted that many people in mining communities are emboldened to continue mining illegally because they see their local leaders, the very people who are supposed to regulate them, engaging in similar activities. He called out the government for its alleged hypocrisy, especially considering that on October 3, 2024, while President Akufo-Addo was meeting with Organized Labour leaders to discuss anti-galamsey concerns, 11 new mining licenses were approved, alongside an additional 12 licenses approved in September 2024.
Ablakwa attached documents to support his claims, including incorporation records from the Office of the Registrar of Companies and mining licenses from the Ghana Mining Repository. He argued that these revelations show the government’s lack of respect for Ghanaians, as well as a disregard for their concerns over the damage caused by galamsey.
He concluded by expressing his support for Organized Labour’s anti-galamsey strike, stating that these “traumatizing latest developments” should strengthen their resolve to ensure that their demands are met, urging Ghanaians to remain steadfast in the fight against illegal mining and government negligence.
As I revealed on TV3 yesterday, the government officials we are calling on to ban all forms of small scale mining so we end the galamsey mass murder are rather shockingly and defiantly directly incorporating more mining companies and obtaining fresh licenses to mine gold.
The… pic.twitter.com/0DIwh8byDV
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) October 6, 2024
