The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four armed suspects during an anti-illegal mining operation at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
According to the Secretariat, the arrests were made on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at about 3:25pm when a NAIMOS task force on routine patrol detected an illegal mining site operating along the Ankobra River at Dominase.
The Secretariat said the task force encountered four armed men wielding machetes and pump-action guns upon arriving at the site.
The suspects, identified as Alpha Musa, 28, Rahaman Rojer, 29, Laji Bengali, 25, and Mohammed Agana, 25, were allegedly providing security for the illegal mining operation while actively participating in the activities.
NAIMOS stated that the suspects resisted arrest and attempted to struggle with officers in a bid to prevent their apprehension. However, the task force managed to overpower and arrest them.
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.
The Secretariat said the names have since been handed over to the police to support ongoing investigations.
NAIMOS further disclosed that illegal mining activities at the site had caused extensive destruction to farmlands and forests while significantly polluting the Ankobra River.
As part of the operation, officers retrieved two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, a water pumping machine and two SDLG excavator control boards believed to have been used in the illegal mining activities.
The task force also identified two excavators at the site, which were immobilised by removing their control boards due to the unavailability of low-bed transport services.
The suspects, together with the retrieved items, mobile phones and talismans, have been handed over to the Ghana Police Service at the Esiama District Police Command for further investigations and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS said it remains committed to intensifying anti-galamsey operations across the country despite increasing risks posed by armed groups involved in illegal mining.
The Secretariat also cautioned illegal miners and armed groups against resisting arrest, warning that task forces would not be deterred by violent confrontations.
It further expressed appreciation to members of the public for continuing to provide intelligence to support anti-galamsey operations nationwide.
