The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, has stated that the agency has not received any complaints implicating politicians in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
In an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV on Tuesday, April 1, Prof. Klutse emphasized that while the EPA remains committed to tackling galamsey, no formal reports have been made against politicians so far.
“So far, we have not received any complaints about politicians being involved in illegal mining. However, the EPA, apart from conducting its monitoring, also responds to complaints. If we receive reports from communities or companies, we take the necessary action, including prosecuting offenders who violate compliance regulations,” she stated.
She assured that regardless of a person’s status, the EPA would apply the law fairly to ensure environmental protection.
“If any politician is involved in illegal mining, and we get hold of the person, we will still apply the law as we would to any other Ghanaian,” she added.
Prof. Klutse reiterated the EPA’s commitment to safeguarding the environment despite the many challenges it faces.
“We will focus on our mandate to protect the environment and coordinate all activities that affect it. We need to protect the environment no matter who is involved, whether legally or illegally. So for us, we are focused on our mandate,” she noted.
Meanwhile, an investigative report published in 2024 by The Fourth Estate, a project run by the Media Foundation for West Africa, mentioned several politically exposed individuals from the immediate past NPP government were involved in the activity.
