Lands Ministry to unmask National Security figures in galamsey

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.

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.

According to reports, the suspects, during interrogation, 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 said the ministry was committed to uncovering the truth behind the allegations as part of wider efforts to intensify the fight against illegal mining nationwide.

“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 seem to have the complicity of certain people who ordinarily should not be involved,” he said in an interview on TV3’s News Central on Thursday, May 21.

“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, there were growing indications that illegal mining activities within the Dominance enclave could be receiving support from individuals alleged to be National Security operatives.

“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,” he added.

Mr Schandorf said the Minister had swiftly constituted a fact-finding team to investigate the allegations and determine the identities of those purportedly involved.

“So, basically, a fact-finding mission has begun in that respect to unravel their identity and deal with them,” he said.

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 yesterday, 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.

“Upon arriving at the site, the task force was confronted by four armed thugs wielding machetes and pump-action guns,” the statement said.

NAIMOS stated that the suspects resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct the operation.

“The armed thugs resisted arrest and refused to surrender to the task force. Instead, they violently attempted to obstruct the operation and prevent their arrest. However, the task force successfully subdued the suspects, leading to their apprehension,” the statement added.

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”, “Mamb,o” 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 immobilised on-site after their control boards were detached.

The four suspects, together with their mobile phones antalismansan, 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 wishes to caution all illegal miners and armed thugs against any form of resistance, as the task force will not be deterred by such reckless actions,” the statement stressed.

The Secretariat also expressed appreciation to members of the public for supporting its operations through the provision of intelligence.