Continued collection of galamsey levies will amount to defiance – Edudzi Tamakloe

The Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, has issued a strong warning to district assemblies across Ghana, stating that any assembly that continues to collect levies from illegal mining operators—commonly associated with galamsey—after a presidential directive to halt the practice would be engaging in outright defiance. He described such actions as a “grievous matter” that must be addressed decisively.

Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Mr. Tamakloe praised the media house for its investigative exposé that uncovered the practice. He admitted that the revelations came as a surprise even to him.

“The truth of the matter is that we all appreciate the work that Joy FM and JoyNews did on this exposé. I personally had no idea any of these practices existed in those communities,” he said, describing the findings as a wake-up call for both government authorities and the general public.

Mr. Tamakloe explained that in some districts, the collection of levies from illegal miners had gradually become embedded within local governance structures. According to him, newly appointed District Chief Executives (DCEs) often inherit such practices as part of internally generated revenue systems.

“Usually, when a DCE takes over, they consult their predecessor on internal revenue streams. In some instances, the view was that you could derive revenue from persons holding concessions within the assembly,” he noted.

However, he emphasized that the situation changed immediately after the matter was brought to the attention of the President, who promptly ordered investigations into the practice across all mining communities in the country.

Mr. Tamakloe revealed that preliminary findings indicated the issue was widespread, leading to a nationwide directive for the immediate cessation of such levy collections. He stressed that any continued collection after this directive would go beyond administrative oversight and amount to deliberate disobedience.

“If after the President’s directive, the assemblies are still doing this, then it becomes an issue of defiance—and that is a grievous matter to be dealt with,” he warned.

He further highlighted the sustained efforts of anti-galamsey advocates, including Ken Ashigbey, who have consistently pushed for stricter enforcement against illegal mining activities.

According to Mr. Tamakloe, the government has already taken concrete steps to address the issue, including strengthening enforcement mechanisms through the restructuring of the National Mines Oversight Service (NAIMOS). He added that over 500 pieces of illegal mining equipment have been destroyed as part of ongoing operations to clamp down on galamsey activities.

The warning underscores the government’s renewed commitment to tackling illegal mining and ensuring that local authorities comply fully with national directives aimed at protecting Ghana’s environment and natural resources.