NAIMOS arrests 4 armed suspects in Ankobra River galamsey crackdown
The task force of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four armed men for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
According to a statement issued by NAIMOS, the suspects were apprehended during a routine patrol operation conducted on May 20 at about 3:25 p.m. along the Ankobra River.
The statement said members of the task force detected an illegal mining site operating within the area and moved in to halt the activities.
Upon arrival, the officers reportedly encountered four armed men wielding machetes and pump-action guns. The suspects were said to be actively involved in the illegal mining operations while simultaneously serving as armed guards protecting the site.
NAIMOS stated that the suspects resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct the operation violently. However, the task force succeeded in overpowering and arresting them.
The suspects were identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25.
During preliminary interrogation, 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.
The statement said the names had since been handed over to the police to assist ongoing investigations.
Authorities further disclosed that the activities of the suspects had caused extensive destruction to lands and forest reserves in the area while also contributing to severe pollution of 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 excavator control boards.
The task force also discovered two excavators at the illegal mining site. Due to the immediate unavailability of low-bed transport services, the machines were immobilised on-site by removing their control boards to render them inoperable.
The four suspects, together with their mobile phones and talisman, were subsequently handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigations and possible prosecution.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu of the Esiama District Police reportedly received the suspects on behalf of the police command.
NAIMOS reiterated its commitment to intensifying anti-galamsey operations across the country despite the growing risks posed by armed criminal elements operating at illegal mining sites.
The Secretariat also warned illegal miners and armed groups against resisting law enforcement operations, stressing that the task force would not be intimidated by violent actions.
NAIMOS further expressed appreciation to members of the public for their continued support and intelligence sharing, which it said had contributed significantly to the success of recent operations.
