The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into five persons who were arrested for impersonating officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

The arrests were made by the Eastern South Regional Command on January 2, 2026, at Akwadum in Abuakwa South near Kibi. The suspects were caught dressed in security uniforms, claiming to be NAIMOS operatives, and extorting money from mining sites in the area.

The suspects currently in police custody are Moses Tapiam, 43; Christopher Amakor, 29; Casimir Nunekpeku, 29; Wisdom Miwonuko, 35; and Paul Agbanu, 53, all from Accra.

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According to a police statement released on January 3, 2026, the case is being thoroughly investigated to bring the perpetrators to justice. The statement also explained how the operation was carried out.

“The suspects were reported to have gone to Akwadum in Abuakwa South near Kibi, moving from one mining site to another and extorting money from miners. The NAIMOS team arrested the suspects at Akwadum, who were on board a Mitsubishi 4×4 pickup with registration number GS 536-25, and handed them over to the Eastern South Regional CID at Kibi.

"Residents, especially those who impersonate security officers, are advised to desist from the act since it constitutes an offence. The public is assured that persons holding themselves as such will be arrested and prosecuted. The five suspects are in police custody, assisting with investigations, and will be arraigned in due course,” the police statement read.

NAIMOS has been tasked with cracking down on illegal mining activities in the country, which cause environmental destruction through water pollution and land degradation.

Read the statement below:



SB/BAI

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