The task force of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four armed suspects for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities, unlawful possession of firearms, and environmental destruction along the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
According to NAIMOS, the arrests were made on Wednesday, May 20, during a routine patrol operation conducted at about 3:25 p.m. The task force reportedly uncovered an illegal mining site operating near the Ankobra River.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Secretariat said officers encountered four armed men at the site who were allegedly acting as security personnel for the illegal mining operation while also participating in the 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 indicated that the suspects resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct 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,” the statement added.
The suspects were identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25.
Following their arrest, the suspects were interrogated by the task force to gather intelligence on illegal mining activities in the area. During questioning, the suspects allegedly claimed they were operating under the authority of certain National Security personnel identified only as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, all believed to be from Prestea. NAIMOS said the names have been handed over to the police to support ongoing investigations.
The Secretariat further stated that the activities of the suspects had caused extensive destruction to land and forest reserves in the area, 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 belong to excavators used for the illegal mining activities.
NAIMOS also disclosed that two excavators were identified at the site. However, due to the unavailability of low-bed transport services at the time of the operation, the excavators were immobilised after their control boards were removed.
The suspects, together with their mobile phones and talisman, were handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigations and possible prosecution. ASP Asiedu of the Esiama District Police reportedly received the suspects.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-galamsey operations nationwide despite increasing threats from armed groups involved in illegal mining.
“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.
NAIMOS also expressed appreciation to members of the public for supporting its operations through the provision of intelligence.
