Concerns over the ongoing destruction of Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves due to illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) have sparked widespread outrage.
In recent weeks, numerous groups have taken to the streets, protesting and urging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government to take decisive action to end the galamsey menace across the country.
Among those calling for change are religious leaders, activists, and even members of the president’s own party. Many have suggested that stopping the issuance of new mining licences would allow the government to tackle the existing problems before more companies are given permits.
Despite these demands, however, the government seems to be moving in a different direction. Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, recently revealed a list of new mining leases that had just been approved.
According to information from the Ghana Mining Repository, 11 companies were granted permits in the past few days.
Ablakwa highlighted that these approvals coincided with a meeting between President Akufo-Addo and Organised Labour, during which the president was appealing for the postponement of a planned nationwide strike set for October 10.
“You have not seen the worst. Let me reveal to you this morning to my shock, and I’m sure many Ghanaians will be shocked this morning, particularly the Organised Labour.
To my shock, while the president was meeting with Organised Labour, that same day would you believe that new licenses were being issued for these companies to start mining? That same 3rd of October, two days ago, 11 new licenses to companies. Shocking!” he stated in an interview.
It is worth mentioning that some young protesters who hit the streets on September 22 to protest against the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies, led by Democracy Hub, were arrested and have since been remanded in police custody for 2 weeks.
They are due to appear at the Accra Circuit Court on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
See lists of companies that have been given licenses: 1. Rich Land Mining and Trading Enterprise
2. Confidence Mining Enterprise
3. Gradey Mining Enterprise
4. Adjoebia Mining Enterprise
5. Tekyi Miresu Mining Enterprise
6. Precious Awudu Mining Enterprise
7. Internation Mining Enterprise
8. Adjoebia Mining Enterprise
9. Tekyi Miresu Mining Enterprise
10. Osagyefo Aba Mining and Trading Enterprise
11. Adikanfo Titifou Mining and Trading Enterprise
See the image of the list below:
1. Rich Land Mining and Trading Enterprise
2. Confidence Mining Enterprise
3. Gradey Mining Enterprise
4. Adjoebia Mining Enterprise
5. Tekyi Miresu Mining Enterprise
6. Precious Awudu Mining Enterprise
7. Internation Mining Enterprise
8. Adjoebia Mining Enterprise
9. Tekyi Miresu Mining Enterprise
10. Osagyefo Aba Mining and Trading Enterprise
11. Adikanfo Titifou Mining and Trading Enterprise
See the image of the list below:
