Five arrested for impersonating anti-galamsey operatives, extortion

The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested five men accused of impersonating officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and using false identities to extort money from miners operating in parts of the Eastern Region.

The suspects have been identified as Moses Tapiam, aged 43; Christopher Amakor, 29; Casimir Nunekpeku, 29; Wisdom Miwonuko, 35; and Paul Agbanu, 53. Their arrest followed multiple complaints from miners who alleged that the men had been visiting mining sites and demanding cash under the guise of enforcing anti-galamsey regulations.

Police sources say the suspects were picked up on Friday, January 2, 2026, after reports that they were operating around Akwadum, a community near Kibi in the Abuakwa South Municipality. The group allegedly moved from one mining location to another, presenting themselves as officials dispatched from Accra to clamp down on illegal mining activities.

According to the police, the suspects claimed to be part of a NAIMOS task force and warned miners of possible arrests and equipment seizures unless money was paid. Their activities reportedly raised suspicion among some miners, leading to information being passed on to the appropriate authorities.

Their arrest was effected when an authentic NAIMOS team, operating in the area, intercepted the suspects while they were travelling in a Mitsubishi 4×4 pick-up truck bearing registration number GS 536-25. After preliminary questioning, the team established that the men were not affiliated with NAIMOS and subsequently handed them over to the Eastern South Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Kibi for further action.

In a statement signed by the Eastern South Regional Public Affairs Officer, DSP David Fianko Okyere, the Police Command warned that impersonating security or state officials is a serious criminal offence under Ghanaian law and will not be tolerated.

The police emphasised that such actions undermine legitimate security operations and exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly those operating in sensitive sectors such as mining. DSP Okyere assured the public that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and will intensify efforts to identify and arrest persons who falsely present themselves as security operatives.

He further advised miners and members of the public to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be part of government task forces before complying with any directives or demands.

The five suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators with ongoing enquiries. Police say they will be arraigned before court after investigations are completed.

The Eastern South Regional Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting the public from fraud, impersonation, and all forms of criminal activity, urging citizens to promptly report suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station.