By Felix Cofie
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has dismissed allegations that National Security operatives are involved in illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River, describing the claims as “completely false, misleading and without any merit.”
In a statement issued on Friday, May 22, the Ministry said the allegations emerged after the arrest of some suspected illegal miners on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, within the Prestea enclave.
According to the Ministry, the suspects had alleged that their activities were being supported by some National Security operatives in the area.
However, preliminary investigations conducted following the arrests found no evidence to support the claims.
The Ministry noted that some illegal miners have developed a pattern of making “baseless claims” against state institutions and security agencies in attempts to avoid accountability for their unlawful activities.
It further stated that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) remains committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals who falsely pose as National Security operatives.
The Ministry also commended National Security and other stakeholders for their continued efforts and collaboration in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Government, according to the statement, remains determined to intensify measures aimed at addressing the environmental destruction and other threats posed by illegal mining activities across the country.
