President John Mahama has directed the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to investigate allegations of a so-called “pay-to-mine” scheme operating in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.
The directive follows the broadcast of a JoyNews Hotline documentary titled “A Tax for Galamsey,” which alleges that illegal mining operators are being asked to pay fixed sums in exchange for being allowed to operate equipment such as changfangs and other machinery used in unauthorised mining activities.
The documentary presented video footage, documents and interviews suggesting that some miners pay annual fees linked to the use of mining equipment, with receipts and stickers reportedly issued as proof of payment. The report further alleged that the system may provide a level of protection from enforcement actions.
In response, the Amansie Central District Assembly publicly rejected claims that it has instituted a “pay-to-mine” arrangement. The Assembly said the collection of fees related to mining equipment is based on existing local bylaws dating back to 2008 and insisted that the revenues are officially receipted and paid into Assembly accounts. Officials maintained that the practice does not legalise illegal mining.
Following the public debate, the Presidency announced that President Mahama had instructed the sector minister to examine the allegations and the Assembly’s explanation, and to establish whether any laws have been breached.
Government sources say the investigation will assess whether the collection of fees amounts to administrative revenue mobilisation under existing bylaws or constitutes bribery and facilitation of illegal mining. They have also stated that anyone found to have acted unlawfully will face the appropriate legal consequences.
At this stage, no individual has been formally charged in connection with the allegations. There has also been no judicial determination on the legality of the practices described in the documentary.