The Suspects
Four suspected military personnel allegedly conducting unauthorised raids at Simpa Junction in the Tarkwa Nsuaem District of the Western Region have been arrested.
They were apprehended on Monday by members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during a tactical operation.
The suspects are believed to be part of groups staging unauthorised anti-illegal mining activities in parts of the country under the guise of National Security operations.
The taskforce reportedly retrieved weapons and other equipment from the soldiers, who were said to be carrying out illegal operations in the area.
The four have since been handed over to the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces at Apremdo in Takoradi for investigations and disciplinary action.
NAIMOS indicated that the arrest is expected to bring relief to legitimate mining companies and individuals engaged in lawful business within the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
The Secretariat reiterated government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and its destructive effects, noting that joint operations with other security agencies and stakeholders are being intensified.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Western-Central Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Beatrice Turkson, initially said, “This news has not reached me. So please let me find out and I will get back to you.”
However, upon a follow-up call about 15 minutes later, she stated, “There is nothing like that.”
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi