The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has refuted claims that some National Security operatives were involved in illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River.
In a statement posted on the Ministry’s official Facebook page on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Ministry described the allegations as “completely false, misleading and without any merit or basis whatsoever.”
The statement followed the arrest of some suspected illegal miners along the Ankobra River on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. According to the Ministry, the suspects alleged during interrogations that their activities were being aided by some National Security operatives within the Prestea enclave.
However, the Ministry said preliminary investigations conducted into the matter established that the claims were untrue.
“It has been observed that some illegal miners have now made a habit of making baseless claims against state institutions and security agencies in their attempts to evade accountability for their unlawful activities,” the statement said.
The Ministry further indicated that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) remains determined to apprehend and prosecute individuals masquerading as National Security operatives to facilitate illegal mining activities.
As government intensifies efforts to combat galamsey across the country, the Ministry commended the continued collaboration, resilience and commitment of National Security and other stakeholders in tackling the menace.
The statement was signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf.
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.
