The task force of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has apprehended four armed thugs for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.

According to a statement by NAIMOS on May 21, 2026, the team identified the mining site on one of their patrols and were subsequently confronted by armed suspected illegal miners.

“During routine patrols on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at approximately 15:25 hours, the task force identified an illegal mining site operating along the Ankobra River at Dominase.

“Upon arriving at the site, the task force was confronted by four (4) armed thugs wielding machetes and pump-action guns. The suspects were not only actively involved in the illegal mining operations but also served as security personnel for the site,” the statement said.

The statement further detailed that, the armed thugs resisted arrest and refused to surrender to the task force.

Instead, they allegedly attempted to obstruct the operation and prevent their arrest.

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“However, the task force successfully subdued the suspects, leading to their apprehension,” the statement noted.

The names of the arrested suspects include; Alpha Musa, 28 years, Rahaman Rojer, 29 years, Laji Bengali, 25 years, Mohammed Agana, 25 years.

“During interrogation, the suspects alleged that they were operating under the authority of certain National Security personnel identified as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, all believed to be from Prestea.

These names have since been handed over to the Police to assist with ongoing investigations.

“The activities of the suspects have caused extensive destruction to lands and forests in the area and significantly polluted the Ankobra River,” the statement noted.

As part of the operation, the task force retrieved several items used in the illegal mining activities.

These include, two (2) pump-action guns, eighty-two (82) AA cartridges for pump-action guns, three (3) machetes, one (1) water pumping machine and two (2) SDLG control boards.

The statement added that, the task force also identified two (2) excavators at the site. Both excavators were immobilised in situ and rendered ineffective by detaching their control boards due to the immediate unavailability of low-bed transport services.

The NAIMOS task force handed over the four (4) arrested suspects, together with their mobile phones and talisman, to the Esiama District Police to assist with further investigations and prosecution.

“Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu of the Esiama District Police received the suspects,” it stated.

Read the statement below



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