By Issah Olegor
The government’s renewed offensive against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has taken a new turn following a directive by the National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul Razak Osman, ordering the military to arrest any individual found operating at mining sites under the guise of National Security without proper authorization.
The directive comes amid growing concerns that criminal elements and imposters are infiltrating mining communities by dressing in military-style uniforms and falsely presenting themselves as National Security operatives.
According to security intelligence, these individuals have been exploiting their assumed authority to extort money from miners, confiscate equipment unlawfully, and in some cases provide protection for illegal mining activities.
Addressing military commanders assigned to ongoing anti-galamsey operations, COP Razak emphasized that only duly authorized personnel deployed through official National Security channels have the mandate to conduct operations at illegal mining sites.
He instructed soldiers to immediately arrest and detain any person claiming to represent National Security who cannot provide valid authorization documents.
“Arrest anybody purported to be in a uniform at galamsey sites from National Security,” the Coordinator reportedly directed, stressing that the fight against illegal mining must not be undermined by imposters seeking personal gain.
Illegal mining continues to pose one of Ghana’s most serious environmental and security challenges.
Over the years, galamsey activities have contributed significantly to the destruction of forest reserves, pollution of major rivers, degradation of farmlands, and loss of biodiversity.
Successive governments have launched various operations to combat the menace, but enforcement efforts have often been complicated by allegations of corruption, political interference, and the involvement of unauthorized individuals posing as security officers.
Recent reports from mining communities across the Ashanti, Western, and Eastern Regions suggest that the activities of fake security operatives linked to the governing National Democratic Congress, NDC have become increasingly common.
Residents have complained about individuals wearing military and security uniforms who demand bribes from miners, seize equipment without legal authority, and intimidate local populations.
In some instances, these imposters have reportedly clashed with legitimate security task forces conducting anti-galamsey operations.
According to COP Razak, the growing presence of such unauthorized individuals not only undermines the integrity of law enforcement operations but also erodes public confidence in state institutions.
He noted that genuine National Security operations are coordinated jointly with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of authority.
As part of the new measures, military commanders have been directed to verify the identity of every individual found operating at illegal mining sites under the banner of National Security.
Anyone unable to provide valid deployment orders or official identification from National Security Headquarters will be detained and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The directive is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to sanitize mining communities and eliminate unauthorized actors who exploit the galamsey crisis for personal benefit.
Security experts believe the move could also improve coordination among the various agencies involved in the nationwide fight against illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the National Security Secretariat has appealed to the public to assist law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected imposters operating in mining areas.
Authorities have also reminded citizens that no National Security officer is permitted to demand money, confiscate property, or conduct enforcement activities outside established legal procedures.
