The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested three men for allegedly attempting to bribe officers after a fresh anti-galamsey operation in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, targeted illegal mining sites at Edwinase and Kokotro — areas previously raided by the task force. Officials say intelligence gathered after earlier swoops indicated that some operators were attempting to quietly resume activities.

At Kokotro, the task force uncovered an illegal mining site operating alarmingly close to residential areas. Authorities described the situation as a serious risk to public safety, citing open pits, heavy machinery, and water pollution within the community.

During the exercise, officers dismantled temporary shelters and disabled several pumping machines used to draw water for mining operations. A Liugong excavator, two excavator monitors, and an unregistered motorbike were confiscated.

While the team was returning from the site, three individuals — identified as Emmanuel Koblah, Samuel Addai, and Kofi Frimpong — reportedly intercepted the officers in a black Ford Tundra pickup, claiming ownership of the equipment. According to NAIMOS, the men allegedly offered GHC 119,825 in cash in an attempt to retrieve the seized machinery.

The officers rejected the offer and immediately apprehended the suspects. They were handed over to the Bekwai Police for further investigation and possible prosecution. The cash and vehicle have since been secured as evidence.

NAIMOS has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, warning that any attempt to influence its officers will attract swift legal action.

Writer’s Name: Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah
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