The Deputy General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, has called for the immediate revocation of mining licenses held by politically exposed persons (PEPs) involved in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), citing their direct role in the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 13, Dr. Otoo revealed that individuals with strong political connections from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are profiting from illegal mining operations under the cover of legitimate licenses.
According to him, findings from a recent TUC fact-finding mission to assess the impact of galamsey on water treatment plants in the Central and Eastern Regions exposed disturbing levels of political involvement in the illicit trade.
“In Anum Apapam, we were told that a man named Robert Lamptey holds a small-scale mining license in the area. He allows others to mine under his license for a fee of about GH¢70,000, and then takes 30% of their weekly earnings,” Dr. Otoo disclosed.
He explained that Lamptey, believed to be affiliated with the NPP, now operates in partnership with Chairman BB, the NDC chairman for Akwatia, demonstrating how the menace cuts across political lines.
“That Robert Lamptey is an NPP person who, since after the NPP lost the election, is now in collaboration with Chairman BB, who is the NDC chairman for Akwatia. They are both actively mining in the Ayensu River and Ayensu Forest,” Dr. Otoo said.
Dr. Otoo emphasized that such politically motivated mining activities have led to severe pollution of the Ayensu River and destruction of the Ayensu Forest, both of which are critical for water supply and environmental balance.
“These individuals must have their licenses revoked immediately because they are directly responsible for the pollution of key water bodies,” he urged.
Environmental Concerns and National Implications
The TUC’s intervention comes amid growing fears that Ghana could face a nationwide water crisis if galamsey continues unchecked. The union’s environmental mission also uncovered alarming levels of contamination in major water treatment plants, including those at Kwanyako, Brim, and Akyem.
Experts warn that the increasing turbidity and chemical contamination from illegal mining could make it extremely difficult and expensive to treat water for domestic use, putting millions of Ghanaians at risk.
Dr. Otoo noted that the fight against galamsey will remain ineffective unless the government shows the political will to hold accountable those using their influence to shield illegal miners.
“The law must apply to everyone, regardless of political affiliation. The government cannot win the war on galamsey while politically exposed individuals continue to operate with impunity,” he stressed.
Background: Ghana’s Fight Against Galamsey
Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has become one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and governance challenges. Despite repeated government crackdowns and the establishment of anti-galamsey task forces, illegal mining continues to devastate rivers, forests, and farmlands across the country.
The latest revelations by the TUC add a political dimension to the crisis, exposing how corruption, political patronage, and weak law enforcement continue to undermine national efforts to end illegal mining.
Environmental activists, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens have echoed the TUC’s call, urging the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate and revoke licenses of all politically connected miners implicated in illegal operations.
