Notorious illegal miner (galamsey operator) Prince Kejah has reportedly warned the National Security apparatus against any attempt to arrest or prosecute him, allegedly citing protection from Alfred Mahama, the senior brother of President John Dramani Mahama.
This development follows a major operation by National Security operatives on Thursday, May 15, 2025, which targeted Kejah’s illegal mining site at Akyem Samaan, near Osino in the Eastern Region.
The raid confiscated four excavators, one bulldozer, and three tipper trucks believed to be used in his environmentally destructive activities.
The seized machinery has since been transported to Accra for further investigations.
Kejah and his team reportedly fled moments before the operatives arrived, acting on a tip-off. Though he escaped arrest, his absence did not stop the operation, which brought significant relief to residents who have suffered long-term consequences from his illicit mining operations.
The illegal activities of Kejah’s group have devastated local communities, polluting the Akusu and Birim Rivers—key sources of drinking water for residents. Community members lament the irreparable damage to their environment and livelihoods.
Cici Fowa, a widow and mother of two, recalled, “We used to drink from River Akusu at no cost, but now I spend GH¢10 to GH¢15 daily just to buy sachet and bottled water.” Standing beside the murky water, once clear and life-sustaining, she expressed sorrow over how mining has transformed the river into a toxic stream.
Local farmer Opanyin Kwasi Foli described the environmental destruction as heartbreaking. “These galamseyers are tearing apart our water bodies. It pains me deeply,” he said.
Efforts by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Minerals Commission’s Inspectorate Division to halt Kejah’s operations proved unsustainable. Community sources revealed that Kejah resumed his illegal operations shortly after a similar raid in February 2025, which saw the seizure of two excavators from the same site. The initial intervention followed a complaint the rightful concession holders lodged to the Kyebi South Police Command, which allegedly failed to act, prompting escalation to National Security.
Kejah continues to operate with impunity despite repeated actions, allegedly shielded by powerful political connections. According to credible National Security sources, pressure is mounting on them to return the confiscated equipment—pressure they claim is being exerted by Alfred Mahama, currently residing in the United States.
The alleged influence of Alfred Mahama reportedly extends beyond Akyem Samaan. He is said to have backed Kejah’s attempts to seize control of major small-scale mining shafts in the Western Region—specifically, the Apinto Shaft, Fanti Mine, and Banana Shaft in Aboso, near Tarkwa. These sites were previously operated by a licensed small-scale mining firm known as RMG.
National Security insiders have expressed concern that their ongoing anti-galamsey efforts are being systematically undermined by politically connected individuals. The impunity with which Kejah operates, coupled with alleged interference from top political figures, is raising alarm among stakeholders fighting to protect Ghana’s dwindling natural resources.
As the case draws increasing public attention, civil society groups and environmental watchdogs are calling for an independent investigation into the extent of political interference in anti-galamsey operations.
They argue that without transparency and accountability, illegal mining will continue to flourish, leaving behind polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands, and impoverished communities.
The situation at Akyem Samaan serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to insulate national environmental enforcement from political manipulation and ensure that justice is not only served—but seen to be served.
