Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised a significant allegation regarding the issuance of small-scale mining licences.

The MP claims that on October 3, 2024—the very day President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo held a meeting with Organised Labour—11 new mining licenses were issued.

“You have not seen the worse. 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 licences were being issued for these companies to start mining?

That same 3rd of October, two days ago, 11 new licences to companies. Shocking!” he stated.

In an interview on TV3's Key Points on October 5, 2024, Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that data supporting his claims could be found on the Ghana Data Mining Repository.

He went on to name the companies he alleged had been granted licences.

Earlier, on October 1, 2024, Organised Labour announced its intent to launch a nationwide strike, scheduled for October 10, to demand a full ban on illegal mining (galamsey).

However, during a private meeting on October 3, 2024, with major union leaders, where the environmental harm caused by illegal mining took centre stage, the president urged the union leaders to reconsider their decision.

He asked for more time to tackle the issues raised and appealed for a postponement of the planned strike.