The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has intensified its criticism of the government’s handling of illegal mining, calling for the immediate withdrawal of mining licenses belonging to politically exposed individuals, fueling galamsey operations across Ghana.
Deputy General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, issued the call during an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 13. He alleged that several politically connected figures from both the governing and opposition parties are benefiting from the destruction of water bodies and forests through illicit mining activities.
According to Dr. Otoo, investigations by the TUC uncovered disturbing practices that expose how licensed miners exploit their permits to shield illegal operators for profit. “In Anum Apapam, we were told, somebody called Robert Lamptey, who has a license for small-scale mining in Anum Apapam and its environs, where he has a concession. What he does is that if I want to mine and acquire a land, I go and see him, and he covers me with his license, and I pay money to him. I pay about GH¢70,000 to him. And then every week, whatever I make from that galamsey activity, I give him about 30% of it,” Dr. Otoo revealed.
He added that the problem is not limited to one political side but runs deep across Ghana’s major political parties. “That Robert Lamptey is an NPP person who, since the NPP lost the election, is now in collaboration with Chairman BB, who is the NDC chairman for Akwatia, who is now actively holding the license and during the mining,” he said.
Dr. Otoo condemned the role of such political figures, stressing that their activities are directly responsible for the pollution of the Ayensu River and the degradation of the Ayensu Forest, two key natural resources that sustain surrounding communities. “These individuals, somebody must revoke their license because they are mining and actually working with people mining on the Ayensu River and in the Ayensu Forest,” he insisted.
The union’s latest stance follows growing fears of an impending national water shortage as galamsey continues to poison rivers and threaten water treatment facilities. A TUC-led fact-finding mission to Kwanyako, Brim, and Akyem revealed the extent of water contamination and forest destruction in areas heavily affected by illegal mining.
Dr. Otoo’s revelations have added a new layer of urgency to the national conversation on galamsey, highlighting the political complicity that continues to undermine efforts to fight the menace. His call for the revocation of mining licenses held by politically exposed individuals underscores the TUC’s belief that without decisive action against those abusing their political power, Ghana’s battle against illegal mining cannot be won.
