The National Inter-Agency Taskforce on Mining Operations and Security (NAIMOS) has arrested 10 armed individuals posing as an anti-galamsey task force in the Nyankamam-Armori forest of the Aowin Municipality, Western North Region.
According to NAIMOS, the suspects claimed connections with the Aowin Paramount Chief and were using their alleged authority to intimidate and extort money from galamsey operators. Their actions reportedly facilitated illegal mining and allowed them to operate with near impunity.
The task force apprehended the individuals along with their weapons and talismans. They are currently in custody and will be handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation.
NAIMOS urged communities and stakeholders to cooperate in the fight against illegal mining, stressing that such activities harm both the environment and local populations.
The operation underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to dismantle networks exploiting the lucrative but illegal gold mining sector while protecting law-abiding miners and preserving the environment.
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