The Deputy General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, has called for the immediate withdrawal of mining licenses belonging to politically-connected individuals involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to a myjoyonline.com report on October 14, 2025, Dr Otoo revealed that several influential figures linked to both the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) are deeply engaged in illicit mining activities, profiting at the expense of Ghana’s environment.

He made the disclosure following a TUC fact-finding mission to assess the impact of galamsey on water treatment plants in parts of the Central and Eastern Regions.

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“In Anum Apapam, we were told somebody called Robert Lamptey, who has a license for small-scale mining in Anum Apapam and its environs, runs a scheme where he ‘covers’ other illegal miners under his license for a fee.

“If I want to mine, I go to him, pay about GH¢70,000, and then every week I give him about 30 percent of whatever I make,” he disclosed.

Dr Otoo added that the issue cuts across political lines, implicating individuals from both major political parties.

“That Robert Lamptey is an NPP person who, since the NPP lost the election, is now collaborating with Chairman BB, the NDC chairman for Akwatia, who currently holds the license and is actively engaged in mining,” he indicated.

He warned that the activities of such individuals are worsening the pollution of the Ayensu River and destroying the Ayensu Forest, both critical ecological and water resources.

“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,” Dr Otoo urged.

The TUC’s concern follows growing fears that Ghana could face a nationwide water shortage if illegal mining continues unchecked.

The union’s recent investigation into water treatment plants at Kwanyako, Brim, and Akyem revealed severe pollution caused by galamsey operations.

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Dr Otoo’s revelations add a political dimension to Ghana’s escalating environmental crisis and raise serious questions about accountability and the enforcement of mining laws.

His call underscores the TUC’s position that the fight against galamsey cannot succeed without firm action against politically exposed persons abusing their influence for personal gain.

MRA/AE

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