Okudzeto Exposes Government Complicity in Illegal Mining

In a stunning exposé, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has revealed how some high-ranking government officials are deeply involved in illegal mining (galamsey), which continues to ravage Ghana’s environment and water bodies.

In a detailed post on his Facebook page, Hon. Ablakwa expressed outrage at the brazen participation of key government appointees in the very activities they are expected to combat. He identified prominent figures such as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Mpohor, Hon. Ignatius Asaah Mensah, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Amenfi East, Hon. Frederick Korankye, both of whom have recently secured licenses to mine gold in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

According to the North Tongu MP, Hon. Ignatius Asaah Mensah registered a sole proprietorship, JKcem Mining, on October 18, 2023, and just a month later, on November 17, 2023, hurriedly applied for a mining license. In an alarming display of governmental efficiency, his application was promptly approved by the Minerals Commission and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, allowing him to commence mining operations on August 9, 2024, within the Odumase-K9/Mpohor concession—an area under his authority as DCE.

Similarly, Hon. Frederick Korankye, the MCE for Wassa Amenfi East, registered Kofreze Construction and Engineering Limited in 2017 and followed up with a direct application for a mining license on January 17, 2023. His request was swiftly granted, enabling him to begin mining on March 21, 2024, within the Wassa Amenfi East district, where he serves as MCE.

“These revelations expose a disturbing conflict of interest, undermining any credibility that remains in the government’s fight against galamsey,” Hon. Ablakwa stated. He expressed dismay at how individuals tasked with safeguarding the environment and enforcing anti-galamsey regulations are instead actively participating in the destruction of Ghana’s lands and water resources.

The MP further revealed that on October 3, 2024—the same day President Akufo-Addo met with the leadership of Organised Labour to discuss the ongoing anti-galamsey strike—his government approved 11 new mining licenses. This, according to Ablakwa, shows a blatant disregard for the country’s growing environmental crisis and the existential threat galamsey poses to the nation.

“The reason why many people in these mining communities feel so emboldened to continue their environmental destruction is because they know their ‘big men,’ who should stop them, are equally guilty,” Ablakwa lamented.

He went on to accuse the government of prioritizing the financial gains of officials over the health and safety of Ghanaians, asserting that the fear of losing parliamentary seats is just a diversion from the real issue—the vast amounts of money these officials stand to lose if illegal mining were truly halted.

Hon. Ablakwa concluded his statement by urging Organised Labour and all Ghanaians to stand firm in their fight against galamsey, reminding them that throughout history, tyrants and oppressors have always been defeated.