Four armed suspects arrested in Ghana anti-galamsey raid along Ankobra River

Authorities say the suspects were armed with pump-action guns and machetes during an anti-galamsey raid near the polluted Ankobra River, as Ghana intensifies efforts to curb illegal mining and environmental damage.

ACCRA, Ghana —

Ghana’s anti-illegal mining task force says it has arrested four armed suspects during a raid on an illegal mining site along the Ankobra River in the Western Region, highlighting growing security concerns surrounding the country’s anti-galamsey operations. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) said the suspects were apprehended during a patrol operation at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality after officers detected mining activities near the river on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the agency, the suspects were armed with pump-action guns and machetes and were allegedly providing security for the illegal mining site when the task force arrived. “Upon arrival at the site, the task force was confronted by four armed men wielding machetes and pump-action guns,” NAIMOS said in a statement. Authorities alleged that the suspects were both participating in illegal mining activities and serving as armed guards for the operation.

Authorities say suspects resisted arrest

NAIMOS identified the suspects as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25. Officials alleged that the men resisted arrest and attempted to obstruct the operation before officers subdued and detained them. The task force said two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, a water pumping machine and two excavator control boards were recovered from the site during the operation.

Officials also said two excavators discovered at the mining site were immobilised after their control boards were removed because transport equipment was unavailable to move the machines immediately. The suspects, together with mobile phones and a talisman allegedly retrieved from the site, were later handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigations and possible prosecution. Assistant Superintendent of Police Asiedu of the Esiama District Police reportedly received the suspects on behalf of the command. During preliminary interrogation, the suspects also made allegations involving individuals they claimed had security connections, although those claims have not been independently verified. NAIMOS said the information had been passed to police investigators.

Ankobra River among waterways affected by illegal mining

Illegal mining, commonly known in Ghana as galamsey, has become one of the country’s most persistent environmental and political challenges, particularly in mining regions where rivers and forests have suffered extensive degradation. The Ankobra River is among several water bodies repeatedly identified by environmental agencies and water authorities as facing pollution linked to illegal mining activities.

NAIMOS said operations at the Dominase site had caused significant destruction to nearby lands and forest reserves while contributing to pollution of the Ankobra River. Residents in some mining communities in the Western Region have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of illegal mining on water quality, farming activities and fishing livelihoods. Environmental groups and water management officials have also warned that increasing pollution from illegal mining could raise water treatment costs and threaten long-term access to clean water in parts of the country.

Security risks growing around anti-galamsey operations

Security analysts say the increasing presence of armed groups around illegal mining sites reflects the growing profitability and organisation of illicit mining activities in Ghana. Dr Kwesi Aning, a security analyst at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, said the use of armed protection at illegal mining sites presents broader national security concerns beyond environmental crime.

“When illegal mining operations begin relying on armed protection networks, enforcement becomes significantly more dangerous and more complex,” he said. He added that stronger coordination between police, intelligence agencies and environmental regulators would be required to sustain anti-galamsey operations in affected regions.

NAIMOS said it would continue nationwide operations despite increasing threats faced by enforcement teams during anti-galamsey raids. The agency also urged members of the public to support operations through intelligence sharing and cooperation with authorities. The latest arrests come as pressure continues to mount on the government to demonstrate stronger action against illegal mining ahead of the rainy season, when flooding and river pollution risks often intensify in heavily mined areas.

Authorities say operations targeting illegal mining activities along major rivers are expected to continue in the coming weeks as concerns grow over the environmental and security impact of galamsey activities across parts of Ghana.

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