These Galamsey Kingpins are right under our noses- Richard Ahiagbah.

The Director of Communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has made a damning revelation about the economic stranglehold of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s governance. In a bold statement, Ahiagbah suggested that the masterminds behind illegal mining are not hiding in the shadows but are operating in plain sight—some even making appearances at the Jubilee House, the seat of government.

“These galamsey kingpins are right under our noses—some even spotted at the Jubilee House. The sheer profitability of illegal mining remains a major obstacle in the fight against it,” Ahiagbah stated, highlighting the deep entrenchment of the illicit trade in the country’s political and economic fabric.

His remarks come at a time when Ghana continues to struggle with the devastating effects of illegal mining. Despite repeated government crackdowns, galamsey operations persist, polluting water bodies, degrading forests, and undermining the livelihoods of millions. Critics have long argued that the fight against illegal mining is hampered by the involvement of influential figures, some of whom allegedly have strong political ties.

Ahiagbah’s assertion raises pressing questions: Who are these kingpins? What influence do they wield? And to what extent has their economic power infiltrated the highest levels of governance? His comments, while striking, also underscore the frustration many Ghanaians feel about the government’s ability—or willingness—to root out the powerful figures behind galamsey.

The Ghanaian public has reacted with a mix of shock and skepticism. Some see Ahiagbah’s statement as an attempt to shift blame, while others believe it is a rare moment of honesty from a high-ranking official. Whatever the case, his words add to growing calls for greater transparency and accountability in the fight against illegal mining.

With Ghana’s natural environment at stake and the economy increasingly entangled in the proceeds of illicit mining, one thing remains clear: Without tackling the economic and political interests fueling galamsey, the war against illegal mining may remain a losing battle.