Accra: The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has constituted a fact-finding team to investigate allegations that some purported National Security operatives are linked to illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in parts of the country. However, it remains unclear who is leading the investigation.
According to Ghana Web, the move follows the arrest of four armed illegal miners at Dominase on Wednesday, May 20, during an operation targeting unlawful mining activities along the River Ankobra in the Western Region. The suspects were identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25. Authorities said the group had caused extensive destruction to land and forests in the area while significantly polluting the Ankobra River.
Reports indicate that during interrogation, the suspects claimed they were acting under the direction of individuals identified only as 'Ras', 'Mambo' and 'Nana Teku', whom they alleged were National Security operatives based in Prestea. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, said the investigation was prompted by concerns that some operations carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) were allegedly being undermined by persons believed to be affiliated with National Security.
He stated that the ministry was committed to uncovering the truth behind the allegations as part of wider efforts to intensify the fight against illegal mining nationwide. In an interview on TV3's News Central, Schandorf emphasized the significance of addressing the involvement of individuals who are allegedly part of National Security in galamsey operations.
According to him, there were growing indications that illegal mining activities within the Dominase enclave could be receiving support from individuals alleged to be National Security operatives. He highlighted that feedback from NAIMOS operations suggested that certain persons, who should not be involved, were allegedly sponsoring these activities.
Mr. Schandorf confirmed that the Minister had swiftly constituted a fact-finding team to investigate the allegations and determine the identities of those purportedly involved. He stressed the importance of the mission in unraveling the identity of those involved and holding them accountable.
On Wednesday, May 20, NAIMOS arrested the four men 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. According to NAIMOS, the arrests were made during a routine patrol by the task force at about 3:25 p.m., when operatives discovered an illegal mining site along the river.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 21, the Secretariat said the task force encountered four armed men at the site who were allegedly serving as security personnel for the illegal mining operation while also actively participating in the activities. The statement detailed how the suspects resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct the operation.
Following their arrest, the suspects were interrogated to gather intelligence on illegal mining activities in the area. During the interrogation, they allegedly mentioned the names of 'Ras', 'Mambo', and 'Nana Teku', all believed to be from Prestea. NAIMOS said the names had since been handed over to the police to aid ongoing investigations.
The Secretariat further disclosed that the suspects' activities had caused extensive destruction to land and forests in the area while severely 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 be linked to excavators used in the illegal mining operation.
NAIMOS also revealed that two excavators were identified at the site during the operation. However, due to the unavailability of low-bed transport services, the excavators were immobilized on-site after their control boards were detached. The four suspects, together with their mobile phones and talismans, 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 received the suspects.
NAIMOS reiterated its commitment to intensifying anti-galamsey operations across the country despite what it described as increasing threats from armed criminal groups. The Secretariat cautioned illegal miners and armed thugs against any form of resistance, emphasizing the task force's resolve to not be deterred by such actions. The Secretariat also expressed appreciation to members of the public for supporting its operations through the provision of intelligence.