A task force from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four armed men engaged in illegal mining at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
The arrests were made on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during routine patrols along the Ankobra River.
According to NAIMOS, the task force encountered four men wielding machetes and pump-action guns at an illegal mining site.
The men, who were actively mining and acting as security for the site, resisted arrest and attempted to struggle with the task force before they were subdued.
The suspects were identified as Alpha Musa, 28, Rahaman Rojer, 29, Laji Bengali, 25, and Mohammed Agana, 25.
During interrogation, the suspects claimed they were operating under the authority of three National Security personnel identified as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, all allegedly from Prestea.
NAIMOS said the names have been forwarded to the police to assist with investigations.
The task force reported that the illegal mining activities had caused massive destruction to lands and forests in the area and significantly polluted 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.
Two excavators found at the site were immobilized after their control boards were detached, due to the unavailability of low-bed services to transport them.
The four suspects, together with their mobile phones and a talisman, have been handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigations and prosecution.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Asiedu received the suspects on behalf of the Esiama District Police.
NAIMOS said it will continue to intensify anti-galamsey operations across the country despite risks posed by armed thugs.
The Secretariat cautioned illegal miners and their accomplices to desist from resisting arrest, stating that the task force would not be deterred by such actions.
The Secretariat also expressed appreciation for the continued support of the public in providing intelligence to aid its operations.
