Police in Ghana’s Western North Region have arrested five individuals, including a driver, for allegedly posing as National Security operatives and raiding mining sites at Suiaboi in the Suaman District.
The Regional Police Commander, Francis Tsidi, said the suspects were arrested on April 2, 2026, following intelligence-led operations.
The suspects—Amponsah Asare Wagan, Nelson Agbodzah, Awedagah Norbert, Francis Brefo, and driver Benjamin Boakye—are accused of moving through communities disguised as security operatives, demanding documents from miners and seizing items. Their actions raised suspicion, prompting residents to alert police.
Officers intercepted the group as they attempted to leave the area and transported them to the Dadieso Police Station.
Police investigations revealed conflicting claims from the suspects. Wagan, believed to be the ringleader, reportedly presented himself as a medical doctor and claimed links to security agencies and a political party. However, authorities say some of the suspects have no verified ties to any state institution.
Investigators believe the operation was planned. Wagan allegedly assembled the group in Kumasi under the pretext of an assignment but instead led them to Suiaboi. At the site, they are said to have damaged equipment, ransacked rooms and stolen mobile phones and about GH¢2,000.
A search of their rented Toyota Hilux uncovered suspected stolen items, including car batteries, water pumps, an excavator part, mobile phones, keys, a live cartridge and military camouflage trousers.
Police say Wagan later claimed he had been hired by a former worker at the site to expose alleged activities of the site owner.
Officials from LEASAFRIC have since provided documents relating to the rented vehicle to aid investigations.
Police say the suspects will be arraigned after investigations are completed, while efforts continue to verify their identities and determine the full scope of their activities.
