The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced the commencement of a comprehensive investigation into suspected corruption associated with illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”

This decision comes in response to increasing concerns regarding the extensive environmental damage caused by unregulated mining activities, particularly the detrimental effects on Ghana’s water bodies.

The devastation resulting from galamsey has prompted various civil society organizations, including organized labour, to urge the government to declare a state of emergency in the regions most affected by illegal mining.

Their call aims to address the long-term environmental, social, and economic repercussions stemming from these activities.

At a recent conference held in Accra, which focused on assessing Ghana’s Beneficial Ownership regime, Samuel Appiah Darko, the Director of Research and Communication at the OSP, elaborated on the scope of the investigation.

He noted that the probe would extend beyond merely identifying surface-level violations of mining regulations and delve into the deeper issues of corruption that have enabled the proliferation of illegal mining operations.

Mr Darko underscored that the investigation would particularly scrutinize the roles played by influential individuals and groups who have either facilitated or profited from illegal mining activities.

This approach aims to unveil the intricate networks that contribute to the persistence of galamsey despite regulatory frameworks in place.

The OSP has emphasised its commitment to addressing not only the legal breaches associated with mining but also the systemic corruption that permeates the industry.

“We are doing our investigation into illegal mining separately from the semplicità of somebody has mined without a licence…Those are for police to be dealing with."

“Ours take a bit of time because we need to be going round to be sure that money exchanged hands before the person going into the field,” he stated.