The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has set up a fact-finding committee to investigate allegations linking individuals said to be National Security operatives to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, in parts of the country.
The decision follows the arrest of four armed illegal miners at Dominase on Wednesday, 20 May, during an operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) targeting illegal mining along the River Ankobra.
According to reports, the suspects allegedly told investigators during interrogation that they were acting under the instructions of individuals identified as “Ras”, “Mambo” and “Nana Teku”, whom they claimed were National Security operatives based in Prestea.
Speaking on TV3’s News Central on Thursday, May 21, spokesperson for the Ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, said the move was triggered by growing concerns that some anti-illegal mining operations were being compromised by individuals allegedly linked to National Security.
He explained that the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, had ordered an immediate investigation to establish the facts and identify those behind the claims.
Schandorf noted that repeated reports from operations in the Dominase enclave suggested possible interference from individuals believed to be undermining enforcement efforts.
He added that the newly constituted team would work to verify the identities of those mentioned and determine whether any security operatives were involved in illegal mining activities.
On Wednesday, 20 May, NAIMOS arrested four men at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region for allegedly engaging in illegal mining, unlawful possession of firearms, and environmental destruction along the Ankobra River.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly claimed they were working under the authority of the same three individuals linked to National Security. NAIMOS has since handed over the names to the police to support ongoing investigations.