Media giant JoyNews has officially petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, demanding immediate and decisive presidential intervention following an explosive undercover investigation that has unmasked a parallel taxation system fuelling illegal mining.

The petition, signed by JoyNews General Manager Fiifi Koomson on 9th February 2026, presents "deeply troubling evidence" of state institutions in the Amansie Central District systematically taxing, receipting, and protecting the very illegal operations they are mandated to stop.

The documentary, titled ‘A Tax for Galamsey’, exposes an extortion racket where public authority is reportedly being traded for cash, effectively converting environmental ecocide into a structured revenue stream for local officials.

The price of pollution: Official receipts for illegal mining

The investigation reveals a brazen scheme where the District Assembly and a dedicated task force, allegedly operating under the direct instruction of the District Chief Executive (DCE), compel illegal miners to pay fixed registration fees.

The 'Tax' Breakdown:

• Changfang Machines: Operators are allegedly charged approximately ₵3,000 per machine.
• Excavators: Operators using heavy earth-moving equipment face significantly higher "levies".
• Official Branding: These payments are formalised through official stickers and receipts, with funds tracked flowing into Assembly-linked accounts.

“The documentary uncovers an extortion network involving the District Assembly and a task force operating under the direction of the District Chief Executive... effectively converting environmental illegality into a structured revenue stream,” the petition stated.

Captured on camera: DCE and NADMO officials implicated

The petition to the Jubilee House highlights damning undercover footage in which the District Chief Executive confirms authorising these collections.

The rot allegedly extends to NADMO officials, who were captured demanding separate payments to "forestall enforcement actions", and Assembly personnel facilitating the illegal transactions.

JoyNews argues that this institutionalisation of galamsey not only erodes the rule of law but also represents potential breaches of Ghana’s financial management, environmental protection, and criminal laws.

A four-point ultimatum for the Presidency

Warning that the fight against galamsey cannot succeed if it is "undermined from within", JoyNews has respectfully requested four urgent actions from the President:

1. Independent Investigation: A transparent probe into the matters raised in the 30-minute documentary.
2. Immediate Interdiction: The removal of all implicated officials from their posts pending the outcome of investigations.
3. Public Audit: A full audit of all Assembly revenues and accounts connected to mining-related activities in the district.
4. Oversight Reform: Strengthening mechanisms to prevent the abuse of public authority in anti-galamsey operations nationwide.

“Decisive action will send a strong signal that the Government remains firmly committed to integrity, accountability, and the protection of Ghana’s environment and communities,” the petition concludes.

The petition has been copied to the Chief of Staff, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and the Minerals Commission, placing the government’s reform agenda under its most significant test of political will to date.