The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four men allegedly involved in illegal mining operations and unlawful possession of firearms at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
According to NAIMOS, the arrests were made on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during a routine patrol by its task force along the Ankobra River.
The task force reportedly discovered an active illegal mining site operating close to the river. Upon approaching the area, officers were allegedly confronted by four armed men wielding pump-action guns and machetes, who were said to be providing security for the illegal mining operation.
NAIMOS said the suspects resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct the task force from carrying out its duties. However, the officers managed to overpower and arrest them after a brief confrontation.
The suspects have been identified as:
Alpha Musa, 28
Rahaman Rojer, 29
Laji Bengali, 25
Mohammed Agana, 25.
Preliminary interrogation by the task force indicated that the suspects allegedly claimed they were operating under the direction of individuals they identified as “Ras,” “Mambo,” and “Nana Teku,” whom they described as National Security operatives from Prestea.
NAIMOS said the names have been forwarded to the police to support ongoing investigations.
Authorities say the illegal mining activities have caused extensive destruction to farmlands and forest reserves in the area while heavily polluting the Ankobra River.
During the operation, the task force retrieved several items believed to have been used in the illegal mining activities, including two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, a water pumping machine, and two excavator control boards.
NAIMOS also discovered two excavators at the site. The machines were immobilised on-site after officers removed their control boards due to the unavailability of low-bed trucks to transport them.
The four suspects, together with seized items including mobile phones and talismans, have since been handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigations and possible prosecution.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Asiedu of the Esiama District Police reportedly received the suspects.
NAIMOS says it remains committed to intensifying anti-galamsey operations across the country despite increasing threats from armed groups linked to illegal mining activities.
The Secretariat further warned individuals involved in illegal mining and violent resistance against state security operations to desist from such actions, stressing that its task force would continue to enforce the law without intimidation.
NAIMOS also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing intelligence that supports its ongoing operations against illegal mining nationwide.
By 1960news.com
