Galamsey Drones: I Have No Knowledge of Their Whereabouts – Abu Jinapor Tells Ghanaians to Ask Prof. Frimpong-Boateng

Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, says he is unaware of the location of drones that were reportedly acquired under the Akufo-Addo administration to help combat illegal mining (galamsey).

His comments follow a disclosure by the current minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who revealed that since taking office, he has not come across any of the drones that were supposedly procured to enhance the fight against galamsey.

Speaking to officials of the Minerals Commission in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025, Mr. Buah underscored the critical role of technology in tackling illegal mining. He noted that although there had been reports of drones being procured by the now-defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, he had not seen any since assuming office.

“Technology plays a key role in this work. I understand drones and other tools were acquired, but I haven’t seen them, and I don’t know where they are,” Buah stated.

Responding in an interview with Joy FM, Abu Jinapor—who is also the MP for Damongo—clarified that no drones were ever handed over to him when he became minister in 2021. He also mentioned that there were no documents indicating their procurement.

“The drones people are referring to were supposedly bought in 2018 by the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Professor Frimpong-Boateng. When I assumed office, there was no record or physical handover of these drones,” he said.

Jinapor added that any inquiries about the drones should be directed to the Minerals Commission, which holds mining-related records, or to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng and his team at the Inter-Ministerial Committee.

When asked whether he investigated the matter during his tenure, Jinapor confirmed that he did.

“I made inquiries, but there was no trace of the drones. Whether they were purchased or not, or how they were managed, can only be answered by the committee that oversaw their procurement,” he added.

It’s worth noting that back in 2017, then-Lands Minister John Peter Amewu faced public criticism for the government’s decision to spend $3 million on drones, which were reportedly meant to monitor illegal logging in forest reserves.