Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, has leveled serious allegations against former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, claiming that corruption and shady dealings plagued the process of issuing small-scale mining licenses during his tenure. In a candid interview, Peprah exposed what he described as a troubling scheme orchestrated by Jinapor’s inner circle, where personal assistants and close associates allegedly demanded hefty bribes to secure approvals.
According to Peprah, these individuals were charging as much as $10,000 to sign off on licenses—a practice he says took root after widespread license revocations and a blanket ban on small-scale mining under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. He alleged that the payments weren’t destined for government coffers but instead lined the pockets of a select few exploiting their proximity to power.
The controversy traces back to a turbulent period for miners. Peprah explained that many operators, who had legally obtained their licenses years earlier—some as far back as two or four years ago—saw them abruptly canceled and reassigned to community mining projects. Despite protests from affected miners, their pleas fell on deaf ears. When Jinapor assumed office, Peprah said, the situation worsened. Applications piled up, unsigned, on the minister’s desk, creating an opportunity for opportunists to step in. “His PAs and some close allies started asking for $10,000 to get the licenses approved,” Peprah asserted. “This wasn’t about following procedure—it was pure self-enrichment.”
Confident in his accusations, Peprah insisted he has witnesses ready to back him up and dared anyone to challenge his account. The claims paint a damning picture of a system riddled with favoritism and greed, leaving legitimate miners stranded.
The allegations coincide with fresh developments in the mining sector. Current Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah recently announced a sweeping revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024. The decision, prompted by documented irregularities, aligns with recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Commission, and Water Resources Commission. It’s part of a broader push to clamp down on illegal mining, widely known as "galamsey," which has wreaked havoc on the environment and local communities.
Peprah’s revelations have sparked renewed scrutiny of how mining licenses are managed, raising questions about transparency and accountability in a sector vital to many livelihoods. As the government works to clean up the industry, these accusations serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead—and the trust yet to be rebuilt.
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