Investigation exposes state-sanctioned extortion network fueling illegal mining

A groundbreaking investigative documentary has uncovered a systematic extortion racket, where government appointees are allegedly taxing and protecting illegal mining operations in the Amansie Central District.

Titled “A Tax For Galamsey,” the undercover investigation by JoyNews Hotline reveals that illegal mining, or “galamsey,” is no longer just tolerated but is being formalized into a parallel taxation system run by local authorities.

The documentary presents evidence—including secret recordings, undercover footage, and financial documents—that shows illegal miners are forced to pay fixed fees to operate without interference. Rates are set at GH₵3,000 per changfan machine and tens of thousands of cedis per excavator.

In exchange for these “registration” fees, miners receive official receipts, numbered stickers, and are directed to make payments into designated bank accounts of the District Assembly. The investigation tracks these transactions from mining sites to Assembly offices and local banks.

At the center of the scheme is the District Chief Executive (DCE), who is heard in recorded evidence confirming his authorization of the collections. The investigation also captures District Assembly staff facilitating payments, a taskforce—operating under the DCE’s authority—enforcing compliance, and officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) demanding separate fees to prevent crackdowns.

The findings point to potential breaches of multiple national laws, including those governing mining, public financial management, criminal activity, environmental protection, and local governance.

Environmental advocates have long condemned galamsey for causing devastating pollution and deforestation. This investigation raises a more alarming prospect: that the fight against the practice is being undermined from within the state apparatus itself.

The documentary suggests that individuals mandated to protect communities and natural resources are instead complicit in their destruction, transforming an environmental crime into a structured revenue stream.

The Multimedia Group Limited, publishers of Myjoyonline, have included a disclaimer stating that the views and statements in the documentary do not necessarily represent the company’s policy.

Requests for comment from the Amansie Central District Assembly and the Office of the DCE were pending at the time of publication.