The Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, has attributed Ghana’s persistent struggle with illegal gold mining, popularly known as galamsey, to a lack of transparency in the country’s mining licensing regime.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on Ghana’s natural resources management regime in Accra on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Professor Abotsi revealed that some individuals mining within water bodies and restricted zones have, in fact, been issued valid licenses under the current system.
He argued that such developments expose deeper governance flaws that must be addressed if the fight against illegal mining is to succeed.
“If anyone is mining in a water body and the person has a license, that is a criminal conspiracy of the state against itself. If anyone is mining near a water body or inside it without a license, then such a person is a criminal whom we cannot negotiate with,” he said.
Professor Abotsi called on Ghanaians, as collective owners of the country’s natural resources, to demand greater accountability and transparency in how mining rights are granted.
“We have gotten to a point where resource owners must begin asking fundamental questions. Ghanaians, being the owners managed by the president, must seek the truth and ask: To what extent is the issuance of mining licenses transparent?” he questioned.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
