An illegal mining operation in Ghana has accumulated nearly GHS 5 million in unpaid electricity bills. This debt was incurred at the Apinto concession in Prestea-Huni Valley. The operation is reportedly run by individuals connected to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) records show the operators have consumed vast amounts of electricity since March 2025. In March 2026 alone, the site used over GHS 813,000 worth of power. The mine relies on energy-intensive underground pumping systems, making it a high-cost electricity consumer.
This situation highlights the hidden costs of Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey. Beyond environmental damage, these operations impose direct financial burdens on state institutions. Uncollected utility bills represent a significant drain on public resources and undermine the financial health of state-owned enterprises.
The Minerals Commission, in an email on July 16, 2026, stated that the original small-scale mining license for RMG Mining Company Limited was terminated. This was due to the company's failure to submit written acceptance of the license offer. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had previously revoked RMG's licenses in October 2025 as part of a broader enforcement exercise affecting 278 companies.
The illegal operators took over the concession in March 2025 after National Security personnel stormed the mine. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament for Prestea-Huni Valley, intervened to restore power after an initial disconnection. He wrote to ECG, assuring them that operators would settle all bills, but the debt continues to grow.
ECG’s Western Regional Public Relations Officer, Awal Boye, confirmed in May that the company is aware of the growing debt. He stated that ECG is taking steps to recover the owed amount. However, ECG staff have reportedly faced death threats and have been denied access to the site by armed guards.
The accumulation of this substantial debt by an illegal operation, despite a national crackdown on galamsey, raises serious questions. It points to potential political interference and a breakdown in law enforcement. This situation could further strain ECG's finances and undermine public trust in the government's commitment to combating illegal mining.
Stakeholders will closely watch how ECG and the government address this escalating debt. The outcome will signal the effectiveness of anti-galamsey efforts and the rule of law in Ghana. It will also impact the financial stability of state utility providers.