Chairman of Small Scale Miners Association Arrested for Alleged Interference in Anti-Galamsey Operation

By Joylinda Laryea / July 10, 2025

The Inspector-General of Police’s Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force has arrested Kojo Peprah, the current Chairman of the Small Scale Miners Association, for allegedly attempting to obstruct an ongoing anti-illegal mining operation in the Desiri Forest Reserve.

According to a statement from the Ghana Police Service, Mr. Peprah was apprehended on Tuesday after he reportedly intervened in the arrest of a group of suspected illegal miners operating within the forest reserve  an area that has been heavily affected by illegal mining activities in recent years.

The Task Force, which has been deployed to enforce the government’s renewed fight against illegal mining (commonly known as galamsey), said Mr. Peprah arrived at the scene during the operation and allegedly sought to prevent the officers from carrying out their duties.

"His actions were considered an attempt to obstruct justice and undermine a lawful operation sanctioned by the state,” the statement read.

Mr. Peprah is currently in custody and assisting with investigations. Sources within the police suggest he may face charges related to obstruction of justice and possibly aiding and abetting illegal mining activities.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the small-scale mining community, with some members calling for calm and due process. However, anti-galamsey advocates and environmental groups have welcomed the move, insisting that no one should be above the law in the fight against environmental degradation.

This development comes as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, which has caused widespread destruction to forest reserves, water bodies, and farmlands across the country.

The Desiri Forest Reserve, situated in the Ashanti Region, has long been a target for illegal miners due to its rich gold deposits. Authorities say restoring and protecting the reserve is key to Ghana’s broader environmental recovery agenda.

More updates are expected as investigations continue.