Paa Kwasi Schandorf drops hint on the real kingpins behind galamsey

Public Affairs Director for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwasi Schandorf, has alleged that prominent figures, including religious leaders are actively involved in illegal mining.

Speaking on the issue on Okay FM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Schandorf explained that religious leaders, some journalists, and other high-ranking individuals are in one way or another connected to galamsey operations in the country.

He added that these prominent figures operate behind the scenes, while the ordinary Ghanaians conduct the activities on the ground.

“With the political influence, you don’t see the politically exposed persons at the sites unlike the ordinary Ghanaian that you see engaging in the activities. Some of them are seated in offices, there are pastors, Imams, football celebrities, journalists and people who are exposed in society,” he said.

He dismissed the notion that kingpins are only politicians or politically exposed persons, stating that this is not the case.

Schandorf shared scenarios where, through intelligence sharing, they receive information about individuals believed to be kingpins in galamsey; however, investigations often reveal that these people are not the main ones calling the shots.

“When we say kingpins or influential people involved, it’s not just the politicians but a lot of people in society who are well connected and in the upper class. Sometimes you can receive information through intelligence about a kingpin involved in galamsey and by the time you start probing, you will realise that the said person isn’t even the one calling the shots and are just one of many big shots,” Schandorf noted.

Lack of coordination undermined past fight against galamsey – NAIMOS

He further disclosed that even activists and media personalities who publicly speak against galamsey may have links to the illicit trade, either personally or through associates.

“… In fact, there are even some activists on TV who speak publicly against galamsey but are either involved, or have friends who are involved or are connected to people. Even men of God, religious leaders who you might think are the moral conscience of society are involved. The calls that come through at times when people get arrested surprises us because some are apostles, bishops that are prominent and even chiefs,” he revealed.

MA/VPO

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