The President of the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, has strongly denied allegations suggesting that he interfered with the operations of an anti-illegal mining taskforce in the Desiri Forest enclave.

Speaking on The Citizen Show with Kwabena Bobie Ansah following his brief arrest on Thursday, July 10, Mr Peprah described as “misleading and inaccurate” a report by journalist Erastus Asare Donkor which claimed he had pleaded for clemency on behalf of illegal miners operating in the area.

According to Mr Peprah, his presence at the site was solely to verify the legitimacy of the taskforce conducting the operation, given growing concerns within the small-scale mining community about imposters disguising as security personnel to harass miners and seize equipment unlawfully.

“I went there as a responsible leader to seek clarity and ensure the operation was being carried out by an authorised taskforce,” he said. “At no point did I obstruct any official duty or attempt to intervene on anyone’s behalf.”

Mr Peprah added that during a previous meeting with officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, small-scale miners were advised to verify the identity of operatives working in mining zones. It was in line with that directive, he explained, that he visited the scene.

While reports alleged that some members of the community had identified him as backing the illegal activities, Mr Peprah dismissed the claims, noting that his visit to the area was part of his work with then main opposition and now governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a member of its Mining Committee.

“If community members recognised me, it’s because I was there on NDC campaign duties, not as a miner or someone involved in illegal mining activities,” he clarified.

Following his arrest, Mr Peprah was released on police bail. He confirmed that no formal charges were brought against him.

He further criticised what he termed the “brute force” approach by some elements of the security services in the fight against illegal mining. He called on the government to pursue more sustainable and community-inclusive strategies to address the galamsey menace.

“The fight against illegal mining cannot be won with violence and intimidation,” he stated. “We need long-term, sustainable solutions that respect the rights of small-scale miners while protecting the environment.”

Meanwhile, investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, in an interview with Kwabena Bobie Ansah on Accra FM’s The Citizen Show, admitted that he failed to seek clarification from Michael Kwadwo Peprah before publishing his report. He has since issued an apology for the misleading nature of the reportage.