By Grace Zigah
In a decisive move to clean up its ranks and reinforce public trust, the National Security Coordinating Secretariat (NSCS) has dismissed one of its operatives and initiated disciplinary actions against two others for their alleged involvement in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The action comes in the wake of an intelligence-led operation that exposed a criminal network operating under the guise of national security personnel within the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The clampdown, which took place on October 23, 2025, was jointly executed by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The operation uncovered a sophisticated galamsey syndicate engaging in illegal gold mining within a protected forest reserve — one of the many natural ecosystems that have suffered extensive degradation due to illicit mining activities.
Authorities revealed that the taskforce arrested 15 illegal miners and nine armed men who were falsely presenting themselves as National Security operatives.
Weapons recovered at the scene included a pistol, a pump-action shotgun, handcuffs, and other paramilitary gear, suggesting that the syndicate was well-equipped and possibly operating with internal security assistance.
Subsequent investigations by the National Security Coordinating Secretariat uncovered disturbing links between some of the suspects and its own personnel records.
One of those arrested, identified as Issah Yakubu, was confirmed to be a temporary operative who had previously been stationed at the Yapei Axle Weight Station.
Following corroboration from his colleagues, Yakubu’s appointment was immediately terminated by the National Security Coordinator.
He now faces possible prosecution pending further investigation outcomes.
In addition, two other operatives whose names also surfaced during the probe are currently under disciplinary review.
The NSCS has indicated that they could be dismissed and prosecuted if evidence confirms their involvement in the illegal mining operations.
Meanwhile, the NAIMOS taskforce disclosed that during the raid, two unidentified individuals attempted to bribe the officers with GH₵120,000 in an effort to halt the arrests.
The bribe attempt failed, and the individuals were taken into custody.
