The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has launched a fact-finding team to probe allegations of possible involvement of persons purported to be National Security Officers in illegal mining (galamsey) in parts of the country.
This follows the arrets of four armed illegal miners at Dominase on Wednesday, May 20 who were illegally mining along the River Ankobra.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly claimed they were operating under the authority of individuals they identified as “Ras,” “Mambo,” and “Nana Teku,” whom they alleged were National Security operatives from Prestea.
Speaking on the development on TV3 NewsCentral, Thursday, May 21, Lands Ministry Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf explained that the decision follows reports suggesting that some operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) were being compromised by individuals alleged to be National Security operatives.
“First off, the reason we even reported the persons who are alleged to be involved in this operation who are purportedly members of the National Security is the fact that it has become very apparent that Galamsey operations in that part of the country seems to have the complicity of certain people who ordinarily should not be involved.
“So, for the fact that it has become a crucial matter, the sector minister, Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has immediately commissioned a fact-finding team to unravel the truth in that particular development,” he stated.
According to him, it has become increasingly apparent that galamsey operations in the Dominase enclave may be sponsored by persons alleged to be National Security Officers.
“…because repeatedly, anytime NAIMOS goes on an operation in that particular enclave that is the feedback we get, that the activities of the men are actually being sponsored by certain persons who are supposed to know better,” h added.
He noted that the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has immediately commissioned a fact-finding team to investigate the allegations and establish the identities of those allegedly involved.
“So, basically a fact-finding mission has begun in that respect to unravel their identity and deal with them,” he said.
He added that repeated concerns have been raised during enforcement operations in the area, where reports suggest that certain individuals may be sponsoring or facilitating illegal mining activities despite ongoing government crackdowns.
