The National Security Coordinating Secretariat (NSCS) has revoked the appointment of one operative and initiated disciplinary proceedings against two others following their suspected involvement in illegal mining activities within the Oda River Forest Reserve.
The action stems from 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). The operation dismantled a well-organised illegal mining network in the reserve, leading to the arrest of 15 illegal miners and nine armed individuals posing as National Security operatives.
The imposters 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 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.
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