Four soldiers arrested for unauthorised galamsey raids

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four military personnel accused of staging unauthorized raids at Simpa Junction in the Tarkwa Nsuaem District of the Western Region.

The operation, carried out on Monday, August 18, saw the task force disarm the soldiers and seize their equipment. According to officials, the suspects are believed to be part of outlawed groups that disguise themselves as national security operatives to conduct illegal anti-mining activities.

Such incidents, NAIMOS noted, have been reported in other parts of the country, undermining the government’s official fight against illegal mining.

The four soldiers have since been handed over to the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces in Takoradi for further investigations and disciplinary action.

Authorities say the arrests will bring some relief to legitimate mining firms and individuals in Tarkwa Nsuaem who have long complained of harassment by illegal raiding groups.

NAIMOS added that it is stepping up joint operations with other security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining and restore order in affected communities, in line with the government’s renewed anti-galamsey campaign.