The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested an eight-member armed gang allegedly posing as an anti-galamsey task force at Wassa Juabo in the Amenfi Central District of the Western Region.

The arrest was carried out on Wednesday,10 December 2025, during an ongoing NAIMOS operation in the area.

According to officials, the suspects were apprehended while masquerading as members of a legitimate anti-galamsey enforcement unit.

A search conducted during the arrest led to the retrieval of one pump-action shotgun, 18 cartridges, and two jack knives.

The individuals arrested have identified themselves as: Isaac Adam, Razak Issah, Samuel Nana Yaw Baffoe, Alex Anyimah, Beginning Amoako, Julie Tofah, Michael Owusu and Dominic Akakpo.

NAIMOS says the suspects will be handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and prosecution.

They also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups impersonating anti-galamsey task forces across the country, urging them to desist from such activities or face the full consequences of the law.