Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey Urges NPA to Cut Off Fuel Supply to Illegal Miners
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has sounded the alarm, urging the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to take immediate and decisive action to stem the flow of fuel to illegal mining operations across the country. In a petition dated Saturday, April 18, and addressed to the NPA’s Chief Executive, Edudzi Tamakloe, the coalition outlined a series of interventions it believes are crucial to disrupting what it describes as the primary driver of galamsey: the easy access to fuel. Among the coalition’s key proposals is a call for the NPA to conduct thorough, data-driven assessments of fuel distribution patterns, with special attention to filling stations in mining hotspots. The GCAG suggests analyzing stations that record unusually high sales volumes compared to the number of registered vehicles in their vicinity, as these may be indicators of fuel being diverted to illegal mining sites. The group further insists that the findings of such assessments should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability. The GCAG also recommends tough sanctions for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) found complicit in fueling illegal mining. It proposes the withdrawal of licenses from these firms, a lifetime industry ban for their directors, and the referral of offenders to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution. Additionally, the coalition is advocating for the strict enforcement of “Know Your Customer” (KYC) protocols. This would require fuel suppliers to verify the legitimacy of clients, especially those purchasing large quantities of diesel in bulk containers, a common practice among illegal miners. The group is also calling for closer collaboration between the NPA and security agencies to trace and intercept fuel consignments suspected of being destined for galamsey sites. Moreover, it stresses the need for more rigorous enforcement of environmental regulations, ensuring that those who facilitate illegal mining by supplying fuel are held accountable. GCAG maintains that restricting access to fuel is one of the most effective ways to tackle illegal mining and is pressing for swift, concrete action to protect Ghana’s environment from further degradation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The National Petroleum Authority Battles Exodus of Tanker Drivers to Illegal Mining
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has raised alarm over a troubling trend: fuel tanker drivers and their assistants are leaving the petroleum transportation sector in droves, lured by the promise of quick riches in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. This concern took center stage at a meeting with Parliament’s Energy Committee in Accra on Wednesday, April 22. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, recounted how the industry is feeling the pinch. According to Mr. Tameklo, the relatively low income earned by tanker drivers and their assistants has become a driving force behind the shift. He explained that many drivers now struggle to keep their assistants, especially when their routes take them through mining communities. “Every time the tanker drivers come back, they have different mates,” he observed. “When they go to mining areas to deliver petroleum products, some assistants choose to stay behind, attracted by the higher and faster financial rewards of galamsey.” This exodus, Mr. Tameklo noted, is causing a significant shortage of skilled drivers in the downstream petroleum sector, hampering the safe and efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country. The loss of experienced personnel to alternative sources of income is disrupting operations and raising concerns about future industry stability. In response, the NPA is developing a new remuneration framework for tanker drivers. The initiative aims to standardize salaries and improve working conditions, making the profession more attractive and discouraging staff turnover. Mr. Tameklo expressed hope that these measures will help retain skilled workers and restore stability to the sector. As the NPA works on these interventions, it remains optimistic that better pay and improved conditions will keep drivers on the road, ensuring the safe delivery of petroleum products nationwide. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NAiMOS Strikes Twice Along the Offin River, Netting 19 Arrests in 48 Hours
In two swift, intelligence-driven operations carried out within 48 hours of each other, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has sent a firm message to illegal miners along the Offin River: the crackdown is real, and it is closing in. The operations, executed by a NAiMOS taskforce stationed at Manso Adubia, targeted illegal mining hotspots at Droso and Eniamoah in the Amansie South enclave, areas authorities describe as among the most heavily exploited stretches of the river. When the dust settled, nineteen people were in custody, and dozens of pieces of equipment had been seized. On April 12, 2026, NAiMOS operatives moved on Droso, acting on intelligence gathered from local sources. What they found when they arrived confirmed the tip-offs: miners were actively working along the banks of the Offin River, machinery humming, the operation in full swing. The task force moved quickly. Nineteen suspects, men and women aged between 23 and 35, were arrested at the scene. Others, sensing the approach of security personnel, fled before they could be caught. The haul from the raid was telling: eight water-pumping machines, five motorbikes, an excavator monitor, and an excavator key were all recovered, painting a picture of a well-resourced and organised illegal mining operation. A day later, on April 13, the task force was back in the field. This time, the target was Eniamoah, near Ntoboroso, where fresh intelligence pointed to ongoing galamsey activity along the same river. When operatives arrived, the scale of what they encountered was striking — extensive illegal mining operations spread along the riverbanks. But word had apparently travelled fast. The miners abandoned the site and fled before they could be apprehended. They left behind, however, fifteen motorbikes — a detail that speaks volumes about the size and coordination of the network operating in the area. NAiMOS officials say the evidence uncovered at Eniamoah underscores just how much pressure the Offin River is under from illegal mining activity. With the operations concluded, NAiMOS is not standing down. The Secretariat has announced plans to deploy Blue Water Guards to intensify patrols across the Eniamoah and Ntoboroso areas, ensuring that those who fled cannot simply return once the immediate heat dies down. Officials also highlighted the role of inter-agency intelligence-sharing in making both operations possible, describing it as a model for how the fight against galamsey must be conducted, not reactively, but proactively, with information leading the way. NAiMOS has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a sustained operational presence along the Offin River until illegal mining is completely eradicated from the area. The message from the Secretariat is unambiguous: the Offin River is no longer a haven for galamsey operators, and the operations of the past two days are proof that the authorities mean business. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Gold Gets a New Story: Naana Jane Launches Heritage Village to Champion Local Jewellery Industry
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang stepped forward to officially launch the Heritage Village initiative, a bold platform dedicated to showcasing and promoting locally manufactured gold jewellery and breathing new life into Ghana’s value-added industry. The initiative, the brainchild of legal practitioner Gertrude Emefa Donkor under her brand Goldbod Jewellery, arrives at a time when conversations about Ghana’s economic future are louder than ever. At its core, Heritage Village is a call to action, a challenge to the nation to stop sending its gold away in its raw form and start telling a richer, more rewarding story with it. Speaking at the launch, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang made clear that the path to Ghana’s transformation runs directly through its ability to produce, not just extract. She underscored the critical importance of empowering local artisans, nurturing the country’s creative sector, and building industries that add value at home rather than abroad. For the Vice President, this is not a peripheral conversation; it is central to Ghana’s economic identity. She noted that the country’s future prosperity depends on its willingness to move beyond the mine and invest in innovation, craftsmanship, and production. The timing of the three-day event was no accident. Deliberately scheduled to coincide with Ghana Month, Heritage Village framed gold not merely as a commodity buried beneath the earth, but as a living symbol of national pride, cultural heritage, and untapped economic opportunity. It was a statement that Ghana’s gold belongs not just in the ground or in foreign markets, but in the hands of Ghanaian artisans and on the global stage as a finished, high-value product. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang took a moment to commend the organisers for their vision and courage, for contributing meaningfully to the national dialogue on industrial growth and for creating a platform where young entrepreneurs could find their footing, scale their businesses, and compete beyond Ghana’s borders. As the event drew attention from artisans, industry players, and policymakers alike, the Vice President expressed genuine optimism about what Heritage Village represents and what it could become. She envisioned it as a catalyst, an initiative capable of inspiring a new generation of innovators, uplifting local craftspeople, and playing a defining role in advancing Ghana’s industrialisation agenda. In launching Heritage Village, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang sent a clear and resonant message: Ghana’s gold is more than a resource; it is a legacy waiting to be shaped, polished, and proudly worn by the world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
“Comply or Lose Your License”: Lands Minister Puts Mining Companies on Notice During Talensi Tour
Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a stern warning to mining companies operating in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, comply with environmental regulations or face license revocation. The warning came during a high-profile working tour of the region, where the minister met with traditional rulers, regional officials, and representatives of licensed mining companies to push for responsible mining practices and stronger benefits for local communities. The minister’s visit kicked off in Bolgatanga with a briefing at the Regional Coordinating Council, where Hon. Buah outlined the government’s priorities: formalizing small-scale mining, accelerating land title processing, and reinforcing environmental protection. He challenged Lands Commission staff to eliminate bureaucratic delays and improve record-keeping, ensuring that ordinary residents can secure their land rights without unnecessary hurdles. From Bolgatanga, the minister traveled to the Talensi District, where he first paid a courtesy call on the paramount chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Nab Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, seeking his blessing before proceeding with the tour. This gesture underscored the government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with traditional authorities. The royal welcome, however, came with an urgent plea. The paramount chief and his council raised serious concerns about the growing menace of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which they described as a “cancer” ravaging the district. According to the chief, the consequences are far-reaching: environmental disruption, health risks, economic losses, and deepening social conflict. “Its activities have severe consequences in environmental disruptions, health risks, economic losses, and social conflict,” the chief stated plainly. “We therefore seek effective action to eliminate or minimize the cancer from the area,” he added, calling on the minister to move beyond words and deliver decisive intervention. In response to the chiefs’ concerns, Hon. Buah announced plans to expand the Community Mining Scheme in the Talensi District, a government initiative designed to provide legal, well-regulated mining sites equipped with proper training so that miners can operate safely and sustainably. He assured the traditional authorities of strong, ongoing collaboration between his ministry and local leadership to safeguard both the environment and the livelihoods of residents. The minister’s tour then took him to two of the district’s major licensed gold mining operations, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML) and Earl International Group Ghana. At each site, Hon. Buah conducted on-the-ground inspections of operational areas, environmental safeguards, and worker safety measures. His message to both companies was unambiguous: compliance is not optional. He reminded the companies that the government holds the power to revoke mining licenses, and he was not shy about invoking it. “If any company fails to comply with the regulations on environmental grounds, their licenses will be revoked,” the minister declared. Both companies’ management teams responded by presenting their reclamation plans, community development projects, and environmental sustainability commitments, pledging to work closely with the Ministry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other relevant stakeholders to uphold the highest standards. Wrapping up the tour, Minister Buah expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region for their cooperation and reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to partnering with communities and mining firms alike, striking the delicate balance between economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. Regional officials welcomed the visit, noting that it would help align local actions with national policy and bring renewed momentum to responsible mining governance in the area. The minister’s tour sends a clear signal: in Ghana’s push to grow its mining sector, environmental accountability is no longer negotiable. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Slips in Global Mining Investment Rankings Amid Rising African Competition
Ghana’s standing as a premier mining investment destination has taken a hit, according to the latest findings from the Fraser Institute’s 2025 Annual Survey of Mining Companies. Once a top contender in Africa’s resource sector, Ghana has now slipped seven places in the global Investment Attractiveness Index (IAI), falling to 53rd out of 68 jurisdictions, down from 46th last year. The country’s score declined to 55.21 from 56.98, reflecting mounting competitive pressure across the continent. Within Africa, Ghana now trails behind countries such as Botswana and Morocco, settling into the middle tier of the continent’s mining investment landscape. While the country still boasts significant mineral wealth, the new ranking signals a need to address the factors holding back investor confidence. The IAI blends mineral potential with policy perception, with geology accounting for 60 percent and policy factors for 40 percent of the overall score. The report points to regulatory uncertainty, tax concerns, infrastructure deficiencies, and land access issues as potential reasons for Ghana’s slide in the rankings. These challenges appear to be dampening investor enthusiasm, despite Ghana’s strong geological profile. Further reinforcing this trend, Ghana ranked 50th globally on the Policy Perception Index, earning a score of 53.65, indicative of moderate but not leading policy competitiveness. The survey, conducted between August and November 2025, gathered insights from 256 mining executives representing companies with a collective exploration budget exceeding US$4.2 billion. As Ghana navigates increased competition from its African peers, the latest rankings serve as a call to action for policymakers to boost the country’s appeal to global investors and reclaim its status as a mining powerhouse. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Former Defence Minister Nitiwul Accuses Mahama Administration of Abandoning Galamsey Fight
Former Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has sharply criticized the administration of John Dramani Mahama, accusing it of abandoning the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Nitiwul expressed alarm over the worsening depletion of forest reserves and the increasing pollution of major water bodies under the current government. Nitiwul noted that illegal mining has long been a source of grave environmental problems in Ghana, destroying forests and contaminating rivers that serve as vital sources of drinking water. Despite recent efforts by the government to clamp down on galamsey, he argued that the situation has only deteriorated. “No, no, that is worse off. Completely worse off. Everybody knows it’s worse off,” Nitiwul asserted. “We’ve depleted a lot of our team. Last year, what happened on the field was bad. It’s worse off.” He further alleged that the government has essentially abandoned its efforts to curb illegal mining. “I think the government has given up. That’s why nobody’s talking about it any longer. They’ve just given up. That’s basically what it is,” he said. Nitiwul’s comments highlight growing concerns about the government’s commitment to tackling galamsey and the environmental toll the practice continues to exact on Ghana’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NAIMOS Foils Bribery Attempt After Seizing Illegal Mining Equipment in Bekwai
The fight against illegal mining in the Ashanti Region took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, when the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) foiled a bribery attempt by three suspected galamsey operators in the Bekwai Municipality. The NAIMOS task force, continuing its crackdown on galamsey, returned to the Edwinase and Kokotro sites, locations previously targeted for illegal mining. At Kokotro, the team uncovered an active galamsey operation perilously close to the town, raising concerns for public safety, property, and the environment. During the operation, the task force dismantled makeshift structures and destroyed industrial pumping machines and other illegal mining equipment. They also seized a Liugong excavator, two Liugong monitors, and an unregistered motorcycle as evidence. As the team made their way back to base, three men, Emmanuel Koblah, Samuel Addai, and Kofi Frimpong, approached them in a Black Tundra F150 with registration GR 4743–16. Claiming to own the Kokotro site, the men attempted to bribe the task force with GHC 119,825.00 in a bid to reclaim their seized equipment. The task force immediately rejected the offer, arresting the trio on the spot and handing them over to the Bekwai Police Station for further investigation and prosecution. The attempted bribe, the excavator monitors, and the vehicle have all been secured at NAIMOS headquarters as evidence. NAIMOS issued a stern warning to all illegal miners and their associates: any attempt to bribe officers will result in swift arrest and prosecution. The Secretariat also called on local authorities and security agencies to intensify surveillance of previously raided sites to prevent a resurgence of illegal mining activities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Major Illegal Mining Network on River Pra Dismantled in Covert Operation
In a daring intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) uncovered and dismantled a sprawling illegal mining network operating directly on the River Pra in Ghana’s Eastern Region. The raid, executed with the support of the Akyem-Oda Blue Water Guards, targeted the river corridor between the Ofoase Awona and Nsese communities in the Akyemansa District. This operation forms part of Ghana’s ongoing national campaign to protect vital water bodies and enforce environmental regulations. Acting on verified intelligence and shrouded in secrecy, the joint task force set out with a clear mission: to disrupt illegal mining activities, verify reports of environmental violations, and destroy equipment polluting the river. The River Pra, a lifeline for many communities, has faced severe degradation from illegal mining, so much so that several water treatment plants were recently forced to shut down. To reach the site, the team trekked nearly 14 kilometres through dense cocoa plantations, finally arriving at the riverbank where they discovered about 50 illegal miners actively working on the water. Sensing the imminent raid, the miners abandoned their operations and dove into the river, swimming across to Nsese to evade arrest. Undeterred, the task force pressed on, dismantling and destroying all illegal mining infrastructure left behind. The scale of the operation was significant; 75 dredging Changfang platforms and 50 gold washing platforms were destroyed, along with 150 Changfang machines that were found on the riverbed and subsequently burnt. Several pipelines and water hoses drawing water directly from the Pra were also destroyed. After the dust settled, NAIMOS officials engaged with local residents, educating them about the dire environmental, health, and livelihood risks posed by illegal mining. Community members expressed gratitude for the intervention and called for continued vigilance to restore the Pra River and safeguard their way of life. NAIMOS highlighted the troubling persistence of well-organised illegal mining networks in remote areas, which often operate with impunity despite local security and administrative structures. The Secretariat is now calling for stronger, better-coordinated efforts among security and administrative agencies to effectively dismantle these entrenched operations and protect Ghana’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Perseus Mining Awards Scholarships to 172 Youths, Deepening Commitment to Community Education
Excitement and hope filled the air as 172 young men and women from Perseus Mining Ghana Limited’s (PMGL) operational communities were awarded scholarships totaling GH¢278,279 under the company’s Edikan Trust Fund. The ceremony, which drew together traditional authorities, community leaders, parents, students, and company officials, marked another milestone in PMGL’s ongoing investment in the future of its host communities. This year’s bursary allocation not only supports the educational pursuits of beneficiaries in various tertiary institutions across Ghana, but also represents a significant increase—GH¢68,279 more than last year’s expenditure. The boost underscores Perseus Mining’s growing commitment to education as a driver of local development. In his address, Alexander Oduro, General Manager of Perseus Mining, emphasized the transformative power of education. “Education equips individuals with the tools to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. Oduro assured the gathering that PMGL would continue to empower host communities by investing in young people’s academic journeys. Board Chairman of PMGL, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, echoed these sentiments, describing education as a catalyst for social transformation. “Education gives young people the opportunity and skills to dream beyond their circumstances and strengthens the pillars of society by nurturing thinkers, innovators, and responsible citizens,” he remarked. He credited this belief as the guiding principle behind the company’s unwavering support for the Edikan Scholarship Scheme over the past five years. Nana Agyensaim, Paramount Chief of the Owirenkyi Traditional Area, highlighted the broader impact of Perseus Mining’s contributions. Since the inception of the Edikan Trust Fund, the company has invested over GH¢28 million in development projects, including scholarships, that have uplifted communities throughout the region. Akwasi Gyima Botah, Chairman of the Edikan Trust Fund, explained that the fund was established as a development vehicle to improve the socio-economic well-being of communities within PMGL’s operational areas. Its flagship initiative, the Edikan Scholarship Scheme, provides financial assistance to deserving but needy students at the tertiary level. “Hundreds of youths have benefited over the years. Many have completed their education and are now giving back to their communities,” he noted. For the beneficiaries, the scholarship is more than financial support; it’s a vote of confidence in their potential. Many expressed their gratitude, pledging to make the most of the opportunity and to honor the investment by striving for academic excellence. With each scholarship awarded, Perseus Mining reinforces its vision: to position education as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Ghana’s mining communities, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to build a brighter, more prosperous future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com