The Ghana Police Service in the Eastern South Region has arrested five suspects for allegedly posing as officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and extorting money from miners.

A press release signed by DSP David Fianko Okyere of the Public Affairs Unit, Eastern South Region, noted that the suspects were arrested on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Akwadum in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The suspects have been identified as Moses Tapiam, 43; Christopher Amakor, 29; Casimir Nunekpeku, 29; Wisdom Miwonku, 35; and Paul Agbahu, 53. They were allegedly dressed in security uniforms and claimed to be NAIMOS operatives operating from Accra.

Police said the suspects were moving from one mining site to another at Akwadum, extorting money from miners under the guise of enforcing anti-galamsey operations.

The suspects were arrested by a NAIMOS team while travelling in a Mitsubishi 4×4 pick-up vehicle with registration number GS 536–25. They were subsequently handed over to the Eastern South Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Kibi for further investigations.

The Police Service has cautioned the public, particularly individuals who impersonate security officers, to desist from such acts, stressing that impersonation constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law.

“The public is assured that persons who hold themselves out as security officials will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement said.

Police further disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody, assisting with investigations and will be arraigned in due course.