The National Inter-Agency Taskforce on Mining Operations and Security (NAIMOS) has apprehended 10 armed individuals impersonating an anti-galamsey task force in the Nyankamam-Armori forest of the Aowin Municipality, Western North Region.
According to NAIMOS, the suspects falsely claimed links to the Aowin Paramount Chief and used this alleged authority to intimidate galamsey operators and extort money, effectively facilitating illegal mining activities with near impunity.
The task force confiscated the suspects’ weapons and talismans during the operation. They are currently in custody and will be handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation.
NAIMOS called on local communities and stakeholders to actively support efforts to combat illegal mining, emphasizing that such practices cause significant environmental damage and threaten the livelihoods of local populations.
The operation highlights the authorities’ ongoing commitment to dismantle networks exploiting the illegal gold mining sector, while safeguarding law-abiding miners and protecting the environment.
