The CEO of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Dr. Anthony Aubynn, has voiced his worries about the role of political interference in the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, which he believes is hindering efforts to address the issue effectively.

In a recent interview on Accra-based Channel One TV, Dr. Aubynn pointed out that the involvement of politicians in galamsey complicates efforts to resolve the problem.

He stated that it becomes particularly difficult to tackle the issue when influential political figures are involved.

“The worst of it all, and I have said and written about it since 2009, so it’s not a new thing, the worst of it all is the involvement of politicians in this business. It becomes so difficult to resolve when you have politicians, some of whom are in very leading positions, involved. You can’t successfully push them out,” Dr. Aubynn remarked.

He further explained that the issue of galamsey is deeply entrenched in the system, and the vested interests tied to it make implementing real reforms a challenging task. He also cited an example from January 2023 when former President Akufo-Addo defended Akonta Mining Company Limited, despite clear evidence of its involvement in illegal mining activities.

“That is how come, I think, the former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at one point in time said Akonta Mining was not doing anything illegal, even though the facts spoke otherwise,” Dr. Aubynn noted.

The defense by President Akufo-Addo came during a period when there were calls from the public for action against Akonta Mining, which was accused of engaging in illegal mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region. Despite mounting evidence against the company, the former president denied that the company was involved in illegal activities.

Following this, the Mahama-led administration revoked Akonta Mining's license, citing “overwhelming evidence” of illegal mining and the company’s involvement in criminal syndicates.