Madina NPP Parliamentary Candidate Robert Lamptey accused of Leading Illegal Galamsey Operations

A growing number of civil society organizations (CSOs) and concerned Ghanaians are calling on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to launch a full-scale investigation into the alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities of Black ARK Company Limited, owned by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Madina, Mr. Robert Lamptey.

According to a report by online news portal Soireenews.com, the gold and diamond mining company, linked to Mr. Lamptey, has been accused of engaging in environmentally destructive mining practices in Ayensuano in the Eastern Region. The CSOs allege that Lamptey, along with associates Michael Asare and Zekeriye Konugoglu, is behind the operations of Black ARK Company Limited, which has been implicated in significant environmental damage.

Environmental Destruction and Violations

Leaked documents reportedly show that the trio controls 15 mining sites near the River Ayensu. Their mining activities have allegedly caused widespread deforestation and severe pollution of water bodies, including the river, which is vital to local communities. These operations are said to violate Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).

Local farmers have expressed alarm over the contamination of water sources, which has not only affected their livelihoods but also forced them to rely on sachet water when visiting their farms. One farmer, Agya, lamented the drastic change, saying, “I buy pure water to cook in my farm, which wasn’t so before.”

The pollution has also raised concerns about the threat to aquatic ecosystems and potential health risks from water-borne diseases.

Calls for Action

The CSOs and residents are urging the government to investigate these activities and hold those responsible accountable. They are demanding that President Akufo-Addo establish a Commission of Inquiry to look into the operations of Black ARK Company Limited and its compliance with environmental regulations.

Videos obtained by Soireenews show local residents voicing their frustrations over the damage caused by the mining operations, as forests and water sources are reportedly being left in a dire state.

Lack of Response from Robert Lamptey

Soireenews reports that repeated attempts to contact Mr. Robert Lamptey for a response to the allegations have been unsuccessful. Mr. Lamptey has reportedly not responded to phone calls or text messages sent by the outlet, leaving the accusations unaddressed.

Authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the allegations against Lamptey and his company.

As pressure mounts on the government to take action, the issue has sparked widespread concern about the role of political figures in illegal mining and the ongoing environmental destruction caused by galamsey activities in Ghana.

Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh