Ghana Small Scale Miners Association denies links to arrested 'galamsey' suspect

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has distanced itself from Kojo Peprah, a man arrested this week for allegedly obstructing an anti-illegal mining operation in the Ashanti Region, describing media reports linking him to the group as "false" and "misleading."

In a disclaimer issued on Friday, the association clarified that Peprah – apprehended on July 10 by the IGP’s Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce during a raid in the Desiri Forest Reserve – holds no position within their organisation.

"Kojo Peprah is not, and has never been, the President, Chairman, or member of GNASSM," stated the release, signed by General Secretary Godwin Nickleson Amarh. 

The group emphasised its "well-defined leadership structure," comprising national and regional executives, and reiterated its commitment to "responsible and sustainable" mining practices.

Peprah’s arrest came during a renewed crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey) in protected forest reserves, a priority for the government amid environmental degradation concerns. 

While details of his alleged interference remain unclear, the association indicated that its disassociation underscores sensitivities around the galamsey fight, which has seen both collaboration and tension between licensed small-scale miners and authorities.

The association urged journalists and the public to verify information before sharing it, warning that false attributions could undermine legitimate mining operations. "Combating galamsey is a shared national responsibility," the statement noted, praising government-security agency partnerships.

Abdul-Razak Alhassan, GNASSM’s National Director of Communications, said: "We won’t tolerate attempts to tarnish our reputation. Our members work within the law."