Illegal mining, popularly known as ‘Galamsey’ in Ghana, remains one of the major ongoing investigations being conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The issue of illegal mining can be traced back several decades.
However, in recent years, the calls to address it have grown louder due to the extensive environmental damage caused by unregulated mining activities, particularly the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies.
In the final quarter of 2024 and into 2025, the devastating effects of galamsey sparked a wave of demonstrations and advocacy efforts led by youth groups, civil society organizations, and organized labour.
These groups are urging the government to declare a state of emergency in regions affected by illegal mining, to address the long-term environmental, social, and economic repercussions of such activities.
Concerns extend beyond the physical devastation of illegal mining to its undercurrent of corruption.
OSP on illegal mining & corruption-related activities
In October 2022, the OSP launched investigations into Charles Bissue’s role at the now-dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), following a petition by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and the Tiger Eye P.I. team.
Charles Bissue, who stepped aside as Secretary to the IMCIM following the airing of the documentary in March 2019, denied any involvement in corrupt activities. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service cleared him of wrongdoing in July 2019.
However, in December 2022, the OSP released its Half Quarterly Report, stating that it had finalized its investigations into the ‘Galamsey Fraud’ allegations against Charles Bissue and would provide directives and further action in due course. Despite this, as of the OSP’s 2024 half-year report, no resolution to the case has been publicly announced.
Expanding the Scope of Investigations
The OSP has announced a significant expansion of its investigations to uncover deeper issues of corruption fuelling illegal mining operations.
This shift goes beyond identifying surface-level violations of mining regulations, aiming to expose the intricate networks of individuals and groups who facilitate or profit from galamsey.
The expanded probe will scrutinize the roles of influential entities and systemic corruption within the industry. Again, the probe will not only address legal breaches but also the underlying corruption sustaining illegal mining operations.
Key Areas of Investigation
The OSP’s expanded investigations will target the following institutions and activities:
1. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, and Companies Such as Akonta Mining Limited: The activities of Akonta Mining Limited and other companies allegedly involved in illegal mining will be under scrutiny.
On September 30, 2022, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources directed the Forestry Commission to halt Akonta Mining’s operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. This sparked widespread calls for punitive measures against the company and its owner, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (also known as Chairman Wontumi), for alleged illegalities in the Western North Region, prompting the commencement of investigations by the OSP on the matter.
2. The Dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM): The OSP will examine the activities and expenditures of the dissolved IMCIM, focusing on the seizure and management of excavators, machinery, vehicles, and gold nuggets.
3. Allegations of Corruption Involving MCEs and DCEs: The investigations will also address corruption-related offences against some Municipal and District Chief Executives (MCEs and DCEs) linked to illegal mining operations.
