The task force of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four armed suspects for allegedly engaging in illegal mining, unlawful possession of firearms, and causing environmental destruction along the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
According to NAIMOS, the arrest was carried out on Wednesday, May 20, during a routine patrol at about 3:25 p.m., when the team reportedly uncovered an active illegal mining site along the river.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 21, the Secretariat said its task force encountered four armed men at the site, believed to be providing security for the operation while also actively involved in the illegal mining activities.
“Upon arriving at the site, the task force was confronted by four armed thugs wielding machetes and pump-action guns,” the statement said.
NAIMOS added that the suspects initially resisted arrest and attempted to disrupt the operation.
“The armed thugs resisted arrest and refused to surrender to the task force. Instead, they violently attempted to obstruct the operation and prevent their arrest. However, the task force successfully subdued the suspects, leading to their apprehension,” it stated.
The suspects have been identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25.
Following their arrest, NAIMOS said the suspects were interrogated to help uncover wider networks involved in illegal mining in the area.
During questioning, the suspects allegedly claimed they were operating under the instructions of individuals they identified as National Security personnel, named only as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, believed to be based in Prestea. The Secretariat said the names have been forwarded to the police for further investigation.
NAIMOS further indicated that the illegal operation had caused severe destruction to land and forest cover, while also heavily polluting the Ankobra River.
Items retrieved from the site included two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, one water pumping machine, and two SDLG control boards believed to be linked to excavators used on site.
The Secretariat also noted that two excavators were spotted during the operation. However, due to the unavailability of low-bed transport at the time, the machines were immobilised on site after their control boards were removed.
The suspects, along with their mobile phones and a talisman found on them, were handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu of the Esiama District Police received the suspects.
NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal mining despite what it described as growing resistance from armed groups.
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“The Secretariat wishes to caution all illegal miners and armed thugs against any form of resistance, as the task force will not be deterred by such reckless actions,” the statement stressed.
It also expressed appreciation to the public for supporting its work through intelligence sharing.
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