The task force of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four suspected armed illegal miners at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
The suspects, identified as Weraha Musa, 28, Rahaman Rojer, 29, Laji Bengali, 25, and Mohammed Agana, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted along the Ankobra River on Wednesday.
Items retrieved from the suspects included two pump-action guns, ammunition magazines, three machetes, two water pumping machines and four rounds of ammunition.
The Ghanaian Times gathered that members of the task force were confronted by the suspects, who allegedly wielded pump-action guns and machetes at the illegal mining site.
The suspects, believed to have acted as security guards for the illegal mining operation, reportedly resisted arrest and attempted to struggle with members of the task force.
However, the task force succeeded in overpowering and arresting them.
According to NAIMOS, the activities of the suspects had caused extensive destruction to land and forest reserves and also polluted the Ankobra River.
The four suspects, together with the retrieved items, including mobile phones and talismans, have been handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigations and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal mining across the country and warned illegal miners against resisting arrest.
By Bernard Benghan
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
