'I will publish names of NPP flagbearer aspirants involved in galamsey' – Michael Peprah

The President of the Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Kojo Peprah, has threatened to release a list of politicians and individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to him, many of those publicly criticising the government and calling for the declaration of a state of emergency in the fight against galamsey are, in fact, involved in the illegal activity themselves.

Speaking in an interview with Kwesi Parker-Wilson on Oyerepa TV on October 7, 2025, Peprah alleged that some influential figures, including persons contesting to become flagbearers of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), have been allocated forest reserves for mining purposes.

He claimed to have the names of these individuals and promised to make them public soon.

"There are people who were given licenses and went into the forest to mine. There are people in the NPP who want to become flagbearers of the party who were also given forest reserves to mine in.

"At the right time, we will bring out their names. So, those calling for a state of emergency should be careful at the right time; we will bring out the list," he stated.

Peprah further alleged that some of the very individuals appearing on television to demand drastic government action against galamsey are themselves complicit.

"Those who sit on TV and call for a state of emergency at the right time, we will bring out the list of areas where they are doing galamsey. They are all part of it, and we will expose them to the public," he added.

Galamsey: President Mahama reveals when he will declare a state of emergency

Illegal mining has become a growing national concern, particularly under the current administration, as illegal miners continue to degrade lands and water bodies with little regard for environmental protection.

Some individuals are also facing prosecution for destroying railway lines and public infrastructure as a result of illegal mining activities.

While sections of the public and opposition voices have called for a state of emergency to be declared in response to the crisis, President John Dramani Mahama has stated that it is not yet time for such a measure.

AM/SEA

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