Dominase, Western Region – In a significant operation aimed at curbing illegal mining activities, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has apprehended four suspected armed illegal miners in the Nzema East Municipality. The arrests were made during a routine anti-galamsey patrol along the Ankobra River on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
According to a statement released by the Secretariat and shared by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the suspects were detained at an active illegal mining site around 3:25 p.m. The individuals were reportedly armed with pump-action guns and machetes, allegedly serving as security personnel for the galamsey operation.
The suspects have been identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25. Authorities disclosed that the men resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct the task force’s operations upon their arrival at the site.
“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,” the statement noted. Despite their resistance, the task force successfully subdued and detained the suspects following a confrontation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects claimed to be operating under the protection of individuals alleged to be National Security operatives. These individuals, identified only as “Ras,” “Mambo,” and “Nana Teku,” are believed to be based in Prestea. Their names have been forwarded to the Police to aid ongoing investigations.
In addition to the arrests, NAIMOS reported significant environmental damage caused by activities at the illegal mining site. The Ankobra River had been polluted, and surrounding forest lands degraded as a result of mining operations. Items recovered from the scene included two pump-action guns, eighty-two AA cartridges, three machetes, one water pumping machine, and two SDLG excavator control boards. Two excavators were also discovered but immobilized on-site due to the lack of low-bed transport services. Their control boards were removed to prevent further use.
The arrested suspects, along with their mobile phones and talismans, were handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigation and potential prosecution. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu of the Esiama District Police confirmed receipt of the suspects.
The Secretariat emphasized its commitment to intensifying anti-galamsey operations nationwide despite increasing threats from armed groups protecting illegal mining sites. “NAIMOS continues to intensify anti-galamsey operations across the country despite the risks posed by armed criminal elements,” the statement affirmed.
Authorities also issued a stern warning to illegal miners against resisting arrest and urged members of the public to support efforts to combat illegal mining by providing actionable intelligence.
This operation underscores Ghana’s ongoing battle against galamsey activities, which have long posed environmental, economic, and social challenges across affected regions.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
