The Coordinator of the Third World Network Africa, Dr. Yao Graham, is calling for a thorough investigation into the political economy of illegal gold production and trade.

According to him, this would better expose how political actors contribute to the galamsey industry and the illicit trade of gold resulting in the accumulation of unexplained wealth.

He noted that this would provide actionable solutions to the menace than staging discussion about the financiers involved.

“Rather than go into a general discussion about the billions and so forth, we should look at the political economy of illegal gold production and trade including exports and therefore the accumulation of illegal wealth. The danger that this poses is not only to the economy but also to the fabric of our constitution,” he said on Newsfile, Saturday April 22.

Dr. Graham expressed that the term ‘small scale’ can no longer be used in the mining sector because the scale of criminal activity with political protection and connection is extensive. According to him, political protection in galamsey has been extended to the illicit trade of the precious metal.

He said the fight against illegal mining has been a joke because of the intense political protection with which it is being carried out.

Meanwhile, names of top government officials have popped up as persons involved in illegal mining. This is according to a report by former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng.

The renowned professor who served under President Akufo-Addo during his first term insisted that the rot goes as high as the seat of government, that is the Jubilee House.

But some of the officials have debunked the claims by the Professor and have expressed disappointment as they claim the facts of the matter have been misrepresented.

However, President Akufo-Addo has instructed the police to stage further investigations into the allegation.