Small-scale miners' chairman arrested for confronting Anti-Galamsey task force
By DL News
Published
1 min read
The arrest occurred when Peprah reportedly challenged the officers deployed to remove illegal miners from the forest.
The Chairman of the Small Scale Miners Association, Kojo Peprah, has been taken into custody by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force after allegedly attempting to obstruct an operation in the Desiri Forest Reserve, Ashanti Region.
The arrest occurred when Peprah reportedly challenged the officers deployed to remove illegal miners from the forest.
He demanded clarification on their presence in the reserve, claiming he had received reports that the team was targeting his mining concession.
Law enforcement authorities emphasized that mining activities are strictly prohibited in forest reserves under Ghanaian law.
They noted that no legal small-scale mining permits cover areas within the Desiri Forest Reserve, raising concerns about ongoing operations there.
He is currently in the custody of Nkawie police, where he is assisting with further investigations.
Recent data from the Forestry Commission identifies Desiri as a critical hotspot, standing out among 44 other forests currently affected by illegal mining.
