Galamsey Gridlock

It remains unclear if organized labor was swayed by President Akufo-Addo during the critical meeting held on October 3, 2024, to delay their planned nationwide strike against the escalating issue of illegal mining.

While discussions unfolded, the Minerals Commission proceeded to grant multiple new mining licenses to small-scale mining enterprises in a seemingly cavalier manner.

On the very day of the meeting, the Commission astonishingly issued a total of eleven (11) fresh licenses to various small-scale mining companies as recorded in the Ghana Minerals Repository.

Among the recipients were Richland Mining and Trading Enterprise (License Code SSML-T243/2024), Confidence Mining Enterprise (License Code SSML-T245/2024), Adjoebia Mining Enterprise (License Code SSML-T235/2024), Gradey Mining Enterprise (License Code SSML-T239/2024), Tekyi Miresu Mining Enterprise (License Code SSML-T242/2024), and Precious Awudu Mining Enterprise (License Code SSML-T241/2024). Additionally, licenses were granted to Internal Mining Enterprise (License Code SSML-T238/2024), Osagyefo Aba Mining and Trading Enterprise (License Code SSML-T237/2024), and Adikanfo Titifou Mining and Trading Enterprise (License Code SSML-T244/2024).

The Minerals Commission also allocated licenses to Adjeibia Mining Enterprise (License Code SSML-T236/2024) and Teky Miresu Mining Enterprise (License Code SSML-T240/2024).

According to records on the Ghana Mining Repository, the Minerals Commission has issued a staggering total of 2,251 licenses, including one with a projected commencement date of January 19, 2025, to New Mont Golden Ridge Limited.

In the preceding meeting with organized labor, President Akufo-Addo implored for the postponement of the impending nationwide strike against ‘galamsey’ on October 10, 2024, on the premise that he could address the galamsey crisis given more time, despite having scant months left in office.

The environmental degradation caused by illegal mining looms, with no feasible resolution achievable before the president’s term ends.

As the impending election draws near in December, Ghanaians are poised to elect a new leader who will inherit the challenges of galamsey left unaddressed by the current administration.

President Akufo-Addo’s failure to effectively combat illegal mining, evident in the widespread destruction caused under his tenure, underscores the urgent need for decisive action to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources.

Despite the establishment of various committees and task forces to combat galamsey during his term, the pervasive influence of government officials and their associates implicated in the illegal mining industry continues to impede progress.

Allegations linking figures such as President Akufo-Addo’s hometown chief, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, to illicit mining activities further exacerbate the government’s shortcomings in curtailing the destructive impacts of galamsey.