The Eastern South Regional Police Command has detained five men who are accused of pretending to be officials from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and using fake identities to extort money from miners in the Eastern Region.
The suspects are Moses Tapiam, 43; Christopher Amakor, 29; Casimir Nunekpeku, 29; Wisdom Miwonuko, 35; and Paul Agbanu, 53. Their arrest came after several miners reported that these men had been visiting mining sites and demanding cash while pretending to enforce anti-galamsey laws.
According to police sources, the suspects were apprehended on Friday, January 2, 2026, after reports indicated they were operating in Akwadum, a community near Kibi in the Abuakwa South Municipality. The group allegedly moved between mining sites, posing as officials sent from Accra to crack down on illegal mining.
The police reported that the suspects claimed to be part of a NAIMOS task force and threatened miners with possible arrests and equipment confiscation unless they paid money. Their actions raised suspicions among some miners, prompting them to inform the relevant authorities.
Their arrest occurred when a legitimate NAIMOS team in the area intercepted the suspects while they were driving a Mitsubishi 4×4 pick-up truck with registration number GS 536-25. After initial questioning, the team confirmed that the men were not connected to NAIMOS and subsequently transferred them to the Eastern South Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Kibi for further proceedings.
In a statement from the Eastern South Regional Public Affairs Officer, DSP David Fianko Okyere, the Police Command emphasized that impersonating security or state officials is a serious crime under Ghanaian law and will not be tolerated.
The police stressed that such actions weaken real security efforts and take advantage of vulnerable people, especially those in sensitive industries like mining.
DSP Okyere reassured the public that law enforcement will stay alert and increase efforts to find and arrest individuals who falsely claim to be security personnel.
He also advised miners and the public to check the identity of anyone who says they are part of government task forces before following any orders or requests.
The five suspects are now in police custody and are helping investigators with ongoing inquiries. Police stated they will be brought to court once the investigations are finished.
The Eastern South Regional Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the public from fraud, impersonation, and all types of criminal activities, encouraging citizens to quickly report any suspicious actions to the nearest police station.