Investigation Into Alleged Galamsey Levies In Amansie Central Nearing Completion, Ministry Reports
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has revealed that its investigation into alleged levies imposed on illegal mining operators (galamsey) in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region is now at an advanced stage and approaching conclusion. The ministry’s representative said results from the probe should be available soon as authorities work to clarify the matter.
Speaking on March 2, 2026, on a local news programme, the Media Relations Officer for the Ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, said the team had made significant progress and was taking “the response of the assembly into account” as part of evidence gathering. He noted that investigators have nearly completed their work, and a detailed outcome is expected later this week.
The probe follows public concerns raised after a documentary exposed how illegal miners in the Amansie Central District were reportedly charged unofficial fees for continued operations. According to that exposé, operators faced fixed charges for equipment such as changfan machines and excavators, with payments formalised through receipts and stickers tied to their operations.
Schandorf said that while some assembly officials have defended the practice by saying such levies have long existed, the investigation needed to establish whether interactions occurred with people posing as illegal miners and, if so, how authorities responded. The findings are expected to include any necessary sanctions and recommended reforms to address similar issues elsewhere.
The issue has already sparked public debate, with calls from civil society and religious leaders for transparent and thorough investigations into alleged systems of pay-to-mine schemes and extortion linked to illegal mining. These voices have urged that all responsible parties be held to account when evidence supports wrongdoing.
Illegal small-scale mining, commonly called galamsey in Ghana, remains a major environmental and governance concern, contributing to water pollution, land degradation and safety risks in mining communities across the country.
