Galamsey Wars: National Security Operative Sacked, Others Under Probe

The National Security Coordinating Secretariat (NSCS) has taken drastic action against its own personnel, sacking one operative and launching investigations into two others suspected of involvement in galamsey activities within the Oda River Forest Reserve. 

The decision follows an intelligence-led operation conducted on October 23, 2025, by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), which uncovered a sophisticated illegal mining network in the reserve. The operation resulted in the arrest of 15 illegal miners and nine armed individuals posing as National Security operatives, who were found in possession of a pistol, a pump-action shotgun, handcuffs, and other weapons. 

Subsequent investigations by the NSCS revealed that three of the names among those detained matched personnel records. One of the suspects, Issah Yakubu ,a temporary operative previously assigned to the Yapei Axle Weight Station was later confirmed by colleagues to have been among those arrested in the Ashanti Region operation. Following this confirmation, the National Security Coordinator ordered the immediate termination of Yakubu’s appointment and directed that he be prosecuted if found culpable.

The two other identified operatives are currently under investigation and face possible dismissal and prosecution if their involvement is confirmed. The NAIMOS operation also led to the arrest of two individuals who attempted to bribe members of the taskforce with GH₵120,000. 

The development has been welcomed by sections of the public as a sign of the government’s resolve to root out illegal mining — even among those entrusted with safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

Source – Lead News Online