Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has launched a sharp criticism against the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, accusing it of irresponsibly issuing licenses for small-scale mining despite the public's widespread condemnation of illegal mining, or galamsey, due to its harmful impact on the environment.

In a Facebook post on September 12, Mr Ablakwa revealed that between August and September 2024, a total of 38 small-scale mining licenses were approved by the Minerals Commission, a figure he described as alarming given the state of the country’s natural resources.

"Considering the overwhelming national outrage against galamsey due to the atrocious levels of devastation to our river bodies, forests, the entire environment, and to our very survival, one would have expected a responsible government to at least halt the issuance of licenses," Ablakwa wrote.

He further criticized the speed with which these licenses were granted, pointing out that on September 4, 2024, alone, 12 licenses were issued, and a total of 70 licenses had been approved for small-scale mining this year. According to Ablakwa, the surge in the issuance of licenses has contributed to the worsening galamsey menace.

"It is therefore not surprising that the galamsey menace is worsening each day," he added.

Ablakwa also drew attention to the blurred lines between licensed and unlicensed miners, noting that environmental activists have reported that the destruction caused by both groups is almost indistinguishable. This, he said, adds to the gravity of the government's continued issuance of mining licenses.

"President Akufo-Addo must be impeached for not only failing to keep his promise to stop galamsey but for his complicity in authorizing the highest number of mining licenses to reckless elements engaged in destructive and murderous mining," Ablakwa charged, calling for strict punitive action against the President, whom he described as "dangerous."

Adding to Ablakwa’s claims, investigative news outlet The Fourth Estate revealed that between 2022 and 2023, ten mining companies were granted permits to mine in Ghana's forest reserves. This number significantly contrasts with the five companies that received similar permits over a 24-year period from 1992 to 2016.

"For 24 years (1992 to 2016), 5 companies got permits to mine in Ghana's forest reserves. But in just a year (2022 to 2023) 10 companies got permits to enter Ghana's forest reserves," The Fourth Estate posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The ongoing debate over the government’s handling of mining regulations comes at a time when concerns about environmental degradation, water pollution, and the destruction of forest reserves continue to dominate national discourse.