The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for the immediate cancellation of mining licenses held by politically exposed individuals implicated in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
Deputy General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, made the call during an appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 13, revealing that some influential figures within both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are actively involved in galamsey operations that continue to devastate Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
Dr. Otoo cited findings from a recent TUC fact-finding mission to assess the impact of illegal mining on water treatment plants in parts of the Central and Eastern Regions.
“In Anum Apapam, we were informed that an individual named Robert Lamptey, who holds a small-scale mining license for the area, allows others to operate under his concession in exchange for payment. One has to pay about GH¢70,000 initially and then remit 30% of weekly earnings from the illegal mining activities,” he disclosed.
According to Dr. Otoo, the issue transcends political divisions, with members of both major parties allegedly collaborating in illegal mining.
“That Robert Lamptey is an NPP member who, after his party lost power, teamed up with Chairman BB, the NDC chairman for Akwatia, to continue mining operations under the same license,” he revealed.
He warned that such politically protected activities are major contributors to the destruction of the Ayensu River and Ayensu Forest—key ecological zones vital for water and biodiversity conservation.
“These individuals must have their licenses revoked because they are mining directly on the Ayensu River and within the Ayensu Forest,” he insisted.
The TUC’s concerns come amid growing fears that Ghana could face a nationwide water crisis if galamsey activities persist. The union’s inspection of water treatment plants in Kwanyako, Brim, and Akyem revealed extensive pollution of water sources caused by illegal mining.
Dr. Otoo’s revelations add a political dimension to Ghana’s worsening environmental crisis, intensifying calls for accountability and stricter enforcement of mining regulations.
He emphasized that the fight against galamsey will only succeed if authorities demonstrate the political will to act decisively against powerful individuals exploiting their influence for personal gain.
