Some Key Politicians Associated with Galamsey Debates (Involvement or Allegations)
This report looks at some of the top 20 politicians involved in galamsey issue and illegal mining in Ghana according to the leading search engines.
Highlights:
- Names of politicians
- Positions of those politicians
The involvement of politicians in illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana is a sensitive and contentious topic. While specific individuals are frequently mentioned in public discussions and media reports, it's essential to note that allegations do not always imply proven guilt. As such, naming individuals based on speculative or unverified claims can be problematic. However, there are prominent figures often discussed in relation to the issue, either because of their efforts to combat galamsey or due to allegations of involvement or complicity. Based on search trends and media reports, the following are political figures commonly associated with galamsey discussions in Ghana:
Key Politicians Associated with Galamsey Debates (Involvement or Allegations)
- John Dramani Mahama – Former President of Ghana; allegations have surfaced against members of his administration.
- Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo – Current President of Ghana, leading anti-galamsey efforts through policies like "Operation Vanguard."
- Charles Bissue – Former secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM); caught in a documentary allegedly receiving bribes.
- Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John) – Former Forestry Commission CEO; controversies over illegal mining activities linked to land issues.
- Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng – Former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; led anti-galamsey task forces.
- Kennedy Agyapong – Member of Parliament; has been vocal about political corruption related to galamsey.
- Kojo Oppong Nkrumah – Minister of Information; involved in government communications on fighting galamsey.
- Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) – Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); has faced accusations of illegal mining operations.
- Samuel Abu Jinapor – Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; spearheads the fight against illegal mining.
- Inusah Fuseini – Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources under the Mahama administration; involved in policymaking on mining.
- Kwesi Amissah-Arthur – Former Vice President; his name occasionally arises in political discussions around galamsey.
- Osei Bonsu Amoah – Deputy Minister for Local Government; has addressed the impact of galamsey on local economies.
- Kojo Poku – Energy sector expert, often linked to discussions on resource exploitation and galamsey.
- Yaw Osei Adutwum – Minister of Education; indirectly involved in debates around galamsey’s impact on education.
- Kwabena Mintah Akandoh – Ranking Member on Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee; has raised issues on illegal mining policies.
- George Mireku Duker – Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources; active in combatting illegal mining.
- Stephen Asamoah Boateng – Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA); occasionally linked to resource management discussions.
- John Peter Amewu – Former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; played a key role in anti-galamsey efforts.
- Isaac Adongo – MP for Bolgatanga Central; critic of government’s handling of the galamsey issue.
- Joseph Boahen Aidoo – CEO of COCOBOD; has highlighted the negative impact of galamsey on cocoa farming.
