NAIMOS arrests 4 armed suspects along Ankobra River

NAIMOS arrested four armed suspects on Wednesday, May 20, along the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region. The suspects were allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities, unlawful possession of firearms, and environmental destruction. According to NAIMOS, the task force discovered an illegal mining site operating along the Ankobra River at about 3:25 p.m.

The suspects were identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25. The suspects allegedly claimed they were operating under the authority of certain National Security personnel identified only as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, all believed to be from Prestea. Items retrieved from the site included two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, one water pumping machine, and two SDLG control boards. Two excavators were identified at the site but were immobilised. NAIMOS said the activities of the suspects had caused extensive destruction to lands and forests in the area, while significantly polluting the Ankobra River.

The four suspects, together with their mobile phones and talisman, were handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigations and possible prosecution. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu of the Esiama District Police received the suspects. NAIMOS said the names of the National Security personnel had since been handed over to the police to aid ongoing investigations.