Nkawie Police Arrest Four Suspects for Impersonating National Security Operatives in Illegal Anti-Galamsey Extortion Scheme

The Nkawie Divisional Police Command has arrested four individuals for allegedly posing as national security operatives to conduct unauthorised anti-galamsey operations and extort money from miners in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality.

According to police, the suspects would intercept miners at various illegal mining sites, demand payments under the false pretext of enforcing anti-galamsey regulations, and threaten non-compliant victims with arrest or seizure of equipment. Three of the suspects reportedly presented themselves as personnel from national security agencies and were observed using a private pump-action shotgun during their operations.

A key detail in the case is that the pickup vehicle allegedly used by the group has been identified as the official vehicle belonging to Simon Alolga, the NDC Chairman for the Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency. Police are investigating whether the vehicle was used with or without the owner’s knowledge or consent.

Impersonating security officers is a serious criminal offence under Ghanaian law, punishable by imprisonment and fines. The suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations, which are expected to determine the full extent of their activities, potential accomplices, and any links to organised extortion rings.

This latest arrest forms part of a recurring pattern of fraudsters exploiting the national fight against illegal mining (galamsey) for personal gain. Similar incidents include:

• January 2026 — Five suspects arrested in the Eastern Region for posing as officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and extorting miners while dressed in security uniforms.
• October 2025 — NAIMOS, in collaboration with security agencies, dismantled illegal mining networks in the Oda River Forest Reserve and arrested armed impostors claiming to be national security operatives.

The Ghana Police Service has repeatedly warned the public against falling victim to such scams and urged citizens to verify the identity and authorisation of anyone claiming to conduct anti-galamsey enforcement. Genuine operations are carried out by authorised personnel from NAIMOS, the Minerals Commission, security agencies, and other designated bodies.

Authorities have reiterated that only official state actors have the mandate to enforce mining laws, and any individual or group operating outside this framework is acting illegally. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities or persons claiming to be security operatives to the nearest police station or through official channels.

Investigations into the Nkawie case remain active, with police assuring that all suspects will face the full rigours of the law upon completion of the probe. The incident further highlights the challenges of combating galamsey while preventing opportunists from exploiting the crisis for criminal ends.