Four people have been arrested for allegedly posing as security operatives and extorting money from miners under the guise of enforcing anti-illegal mining laws, police say.
The suspects were picked up by the Ghana Police Service in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region, following reports that they were stopping miners at various sites and demanding payments.
According to police, three of the suspects claimed to be national security personnel and were seen brandishing a pump-action gun during the alleged operations.
Investigators also identified a pickup vehicle used by the group as belonging to the local chairman of the National Democratic Congress in the Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency, Simon Alolga.
Police say impersonating security officers is a serious criminal offence and warned that such acts undermine public trust and legitimate efforts to tackle illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
The arrests follow a string of similar incidents across the country. In January, five people were detained for allegedly posing as officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and extorting money from miners while dressed in security uniforms.
In October last year, the same task force said it dismantled illegal mining networks in the Oda River Forest Reserve, arresting armed impostors who claimed to be national security operatives during a coordinated operation.
The police say investigations into the latest case are continuing, as authorities step up efforts to curb both illegal mining and criminal activity linked to anti-galamsey enforcement.
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