President of the Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Kojo Peprah, has described as misleading reports of his intervention in pleading for clemency for miners invading the Desiri Forest of the Ahafo Ano North District in Ashanti Region.
According to him, he had only inquired about the police operations, leading to his arrest.
In a viral video, Mr. Peprah was seen in handcuffs, with reports indicating he had intervened in the activities of the police anti-galamsey task force.
“Acting as a responsible leader, I approached the scene to inquire about the operation and to verify the affiliation of the task force involved,” he said.
He noted the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in an earlier meeting with the miners, had authorised them to inquire of persons who undertake operations in the field.
“Contrary to the police’s claims, I did not obstruct any official duty or intervene on anyone’s behalf,” he said.
In the video, a police officer claimed that some people in the community pointed to the President of the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association as the person behind the act.
He vehemently refuted the claims, indicating he had only been to the area for the 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign in mining communities.
“If the people know me, it is because I was there to campaign as a member of the NDC Mining Committee, not as a miner interested in operating there”, he added.
Mr. Peprah was subsequently released by the police on bail.
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