The Nkawie Divisional Police have arrested four people for allegedly posing as national security operatives to carry out illegal anti-galamsey operations in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

According to police, the suspects are accused of stopping miners at various mining sites and extorting sums of money under the pretext of enforcing anti-galamsey laws. Three members of the group were reportedly passing themselves off as national security personnel and were seen using a private pump-action gun during their activities. A pickup vehicle used in the alleged operations has been identified as the official vehicle of the NDC Chairman for the Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency, Simon Alolga.

Impersonating security operatives remains a serious criminal offence in Ghana, and police are continuing investigations into the matter.

This arrest follows similar incidents across the country. In January 2026, the Ghana Police Service apprehended five suspects in the Eastern South Region for allegedly posing as officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and extorting money from miners. The suspects were reportedly dressed in security uniforms and claimed to be affiliated with anti-galamsey operations.

In October 2025, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) also dismantled illegal mining networks in the Oda River Forest Reserve and arrested armed impostors posing as national security operatives during a coordinated mission.

The Ghana Police Service has consistently warned the public against impersonating security officers, emphasising that such acts undermine both public confidence and genuine efforts to tackle illegal mining.