A Tax for Galamsey: Investigations Underway, Wrongdoers to be Punished – Ashanti Regional Minister

Key Takeaway: The Ashanti Regional Minister has officially confirmed formal investigations into allegations that some district assemblies in mining communities are illegally taxing illegal mining operators (“galamsey”). He emphasizes that any proven wrongdoing will be punished, but insists on adhering to due process and the presumption of innocence, rejecting calls for automatic interdiction pending investigations.

Introduction: Unpacking the “Galamsey Tax” Scandal

The term “galamsey”, a Ghanaian portmanteau of “gather” and “sell”, refers to the pervasive and destructive practice of illegal small-scale mining. For years, illegal mining in Ghana has devastated water bodies, destroyed forests, and undermined formal mining sector revenues. In a shocking revelation, a documentary by PleasureNews Hotline alleged that some local government officials had institutionalized a “galamsey tax“—a system where banned mining equipment operators are charged fees by district assemblies, effectively licensing illegality. This accusation strikes at the heart of the nation’s anti-galamsey crusade, suggesting corruption within the very structures tasked with enforcement.

This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-optimized analysis of the subsequent statements by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene. We will explore the minister’s confirmation of investigations, his stance on due process versus public demands for swift justice, the systemic implications for local governance, and the broader context of Ghana’s battle against illegal mining. The goal is to present a clear, factual, and pedagogical account that separates verified statements from speculation, while examining the critical balance between accountability and natural justice.

Key Points: What the Ashanti Regional Minister Stated

Based on his participation in a PleasureNews National Dialogue on February 12, 2026, the minister’s position can be distilled into several non-negotiable pillars:

Investigations are Confirmed and Active: A formal process, involving both the Regional Administration and the Ministry of Local Government, has been initiated to verify the documentary’s allegations.
A Presidential Committee is Involved: The matter has been escalated to a committee established at the Presidency level, tasked with conducting a thorough, evidence-based inquiry.
Punishment is Assured for Proven Culpability: The minister unequivocally stated that any official found guilty of wrongdoing will face the full penalties of the law, signaling zero tolerance for corruption in the anti-galamsey fight.
Due Process is Paramount: He strongly rejected the notion of automatic interdiction (suspension) of officials upon mere allegations, citing the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence and the rules of natural justice.
Public Patience is Requested: The minister appealed for the public to allow the committee to complete its work before any administrative or political actions are taken, to avoid unwarranted victimization.

Background: The Galamsey Menace and the “Weakest Link” Debate

The Environmental and Economic Toll of Galamsey

Illegal mining, or galamsey, is not a minor infraction but a national security and environmental crisis. The use of mercury and cyanide, along with the physical excavation of riverbanks and forest reserves, has led to:

Severe Water Pollution: Major rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin have been turned brown, affecting drinking water supplies and aquatic life.
Deforestation: Valuable forest reserves and cocoa farmlands are destroyed.
Economic Losses: The state loses significant revenue from unlicensed operations, and formal mining companies face operational challenges and reputational damage.
Social Issues: Galamsey sites are often associated with crime, child labor, and social vices.

Historical Government Efforts and Challenges

Successive Ghanaian governments have launched operations to combat galamsey, most notably Operation Vanguard in 2017. While these operations made initial strides, the problem has proven resilient. A key narrative in this struggle has been the identification of systemic weaknesses, including corruption, inadequate resourcing for regulatory agencies, and the involvement of powerful political and traditional actors.

The “Weakest Link” Thesis

The specific dialogue in which the minister spoke centered on a critical question: Have Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) become the weakest link in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining? As the local government executives responsible for overseeing land use and local security, MMDCEs are on the front line. The allegation that some are complicit through a “tax” system transforms them from enforcers into beneficiaries of the very illegality they are sworn to prevent, representing a catastrophic failure of local governance and oversight.

Analysis: Decoding the Minister’s Statements

Dr. Amoakohene’s comments are a masterclass in navigating a political and legal minefield. His statements must be analyzed on two levels: the substantive confirmation of a crisis and the procedural framework he insists upon.

1. The Confirmation of a Crisis

By stating “the issues have come to my attention” and describing an active committee hearing “all sides“, the minister moves the issue from speculative journalism to an official government matter. This is a significant escalation. The use of the phrase “galamsey tax” by him implicitly validates the core allegation’s seriousness. The commitment that “once wrongdoing is established… the full penalties of the law” will apply is a clear deterrent message to any official tempted to profit from environmental destruction.

2. The Unwavering Defense of Due Process

The most revealing aspect of his interview is the robust defense of legal procedure. This is likely a direct response to intense public and media pressure for immediate sackings. His arguments are rooted in Ghanaian and common law principles:

Presumption of Innocence (Article 19(2) of the 1992 Constitution): He explicitly references this, stating “the law is apparent: a suspect is innocent until proven guilty.“
Rules of Natural Justice: He invokes “the law of natural justice,” particularly the principle of audiatur et altera pars (hear the other side). He argues that a petition or allegation alone is not sufficient grounds for punitive action.
Precedent and Institutional Integrity: His analogy to petitions against high officials like Chief Justices or Electoral Commissioners is powerful. It suggests that applying a lower standard to MMDCEs would undermine the consistency of the justice system and potentially open the floodgates to politically motivated dismissals.

3. The Political and Administrative Nuance

The minister’s statement, “I am not privy to those assurances,” regarding the Local Government Minister’s alleged promise of interdictions, is a crucial piece of political signaling. It creates a visible distance between his cautious, legalistic approach and any perceived rush to judgment from another ministry. This highlights potential intra-government tensions on how to handle the scandal—summary action versus forensic investigation.

4. The Risk of “Victimisation”

His warning that bypassing due process could lead to “victimising folks unreasonably” is a serious charge. It suggests he is concerned that the political imperative to show action against galamsey could be weaponized to settle local political scores or target officials without solid evidence, thereby creating a new injustice.

Practical Advice: For Citizens, Media, and Institutions

This evolving situation provides a case study in civic engagement and institutional accountability.

For the Ghanaian Public and Civil Society

Vigilance, Not Vigilantism: Maintain pressure through legitimate channels—petitions to the committee, sustained media coverage, and engagement with MPs. Demand transparency in the committee’s work, but reject extra-judicial calls for punishment without evidence.
Support Whistleblowers: The original documentary is a form of investigative journalism that serves the public interest. Support ethical journalism that uncovers corruption while ensuring its methods are verifiable.
Monitor Environmental Recovery: Regardless of the personnel outcomes, the primary goal must be the cessation of illegal mining and the restoration of degraded lands and waters. Use tools like satellite imagery and community reporting to track environmental changes.

For the Media

Precision in Language: Use terms like “alleged galamsey tax” and “accused officials” until findings are official. Avoid headlines that presume guilt.
Explain the Process: Educate the public on what a presidential committee of inquiry does, its powers, and its typical timeline. This manages expectations and reduces frustration.
Focus on Systems, Not Just Individuals: Investigate the systemic enablers: How was money collected? Was it recorded in official accounts? Which higher authorities may have been aware? This moves beyond scapegoating to structural reform.

For Government Institutions

The Committee Must Be Perceived as Independent: Its credibility hinges on impartiality. It should include reputable figures from civil society, traditional leadership, and the legal profession, not solely political appointees.
Transparency in Findings: The final report, with sensitive details redacted where legally necessary, must be published in full. A summary is insufficient for public trust.
Separate Processes: The criminal investigative process (by police/EOCO) and the administrative inquiry (by the committee) should run concurrently but distinctly. Criminal prosecution requires a higher burden of proof.
Reform Local Government Financing: This scandal exposes the desperate financial straits of many District Assemblies. A national conversation on equitable and adequate local government funding, reducing their reliance on questionable revenue streams, is long overdue.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

Q1: What exactly is a “galamsey tax”?

Based on the allegations, it refers to an illicit system where officials from district assemblies levy fees or charges on operators of illegal mining equipment (like excavators and washing plants). In exchange, these operators are allegedly granted tacit permission to operate or are protected from enforcement within that district. It is a form of institutionalized bribery and collusion.

Q2: Is it illegal for an MMDCE to be involved with mining in their district?

Yes, absolutely. MMDCEs are public officers bound by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Public Procurement Act, and various mining and environmental laws. They are prohibited from engaging in private business that conflicts with their public duties. Furthermore, actively facilitating an illegal activity is a criminal offense, including corruption-related charges under the Anti-Corruption Act.

Q3: Why is the minister against automatic interdiction?

He is citing a fundamental legal principle: presumption of innocence. Interdiction is an administrative measure, not a punishment, but it carries significant reputational and financial consequences. The minister argues that it should be applied only after a prima facie case is established by an initial investigation, not merely upon the filing of a petition or allegation, to prevent abuse and ensure fairness.

Q4: What penalties could implicated officials face if found guilty?

Penalties would depend on the specific charges proven. They could include:

Criminal prosecution for corruption, conspiracy, or aiding and abetting a crime, leading to fines and imprisonment.
Administrative sanctions from the Local Government Service, including dismissal from public office.
Forfeiture of any illicitly obtained assets.
Civil lawsuits from the state for recovery of lost revenue and environmental remediation costs.

Q5: How does this scandal affect the overall fight against galamsey?

It is severely damaging. It validates public suspicion that the anti-galamsey fight is compromised from within. It undermines the morale of honest enforcement officers from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most critically, it signals to illegal operators that they can buy protection, making the fight exponentially harder and more dangerous.

Conclusion: The Path Forward is Transparency and Justice

The allegations of a “galamsey tax” represent one of the most corrosive threats to Ghana’s environmental security and governance integrity. The Ashanti Regional Minister’s confirmation of investigations is a necessary first step. His insistence on due process, while frustrating to those demanding immediate justice, is a non-negotiable pillar of a constitutional democracy. The true test will be the speed, independence, and transparency of the presidential committee’s work.

For the government, the imperative is twofold: first, to prosecute proven cases of corruption without fear or favor to restore public trust; second, to address the systemic weaknesses—particularly the financial vulnerabilities of local assemblies—that create the conditions for such scandals. For citizens, the path is to sustain informed, lawful pressure while respecting the investigative process. The ultimate goal must remain singular: the complete eradication of illegal mining and the restoration of Ghana’s precious environment. Anything less is a betrayal of the public trust and the nation’s future.

Sources and Further Reading

This article is based solely on the verified public statements of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, as reported in the PleasureNews broadcast of February 12, 2026, and the original Life Pulse Daily article. It provides analysis within the framework of Ghana’s known laws and historical context.

Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992. ( Particularly Article 19 on Fair Trial and Article 23 on Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms).
The Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). (Sections on corruption, conspiracy, and aiding/abetting crimes).
The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490). (Governing environmental regulations and permits).
The Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). (The primary law governing all mining activities in Ghana).
Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550).
Historical Record: Government of Ghana. (2017). Operation Vanguard: Mandate and Initial Impacts. Ministry of Information Press Releases.
Media Archive: PleasureNews Ghana. (2026, February 12). National Dialogue on Illegal Mining: Is the MMDCE the Weakest Link? [Video recording].