The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has launched a fact-finding investigation into allegations that individuals purported to be National Security operatives may be involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, in parts of the country.

The move follows the arrest of four armed illegal miners at Dominase on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during an operation along the River Ankobra.

According to officials, the suspects were intercepted while engaging in illegal mining activities and were subsequently taken into custody for interrogation.

During questioning, the suspects allegedly claimed they were operating under the authority of individuals identified as “Ras,” “Mambo,” and “Nana Teku,” whom they described as National Security operatives based in Prestea.

Speaking on TV3’s NewsCentral on Thursday, May 21, Lands Ministry spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf said the allegations had raised serious concerns about possible compromise in ongoing anti-galamsey operations.

He explained that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, had directed the immediate formation of a fact-finding team to investigate the claims and establish the identities of those allegedly involved.

Mr Schandorf noted that reports from the area suggest some operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) may be compromised by individuals allegedly linked to security agencies.

“First off, the reason we even reported the persons who are alleged to be involved in this operation who are purportedly members of the National Security is the fact that it has become very apparent that galamsey operations in that part of the country seem to have the complicity of certain people who ordinarily should not be involved,” he said.

He added that repeated enforcement operations in the Dominase enclave have consistently raised concerns about external interference, with some reports suggesting that illegal mining activities are being protected or sponsored by powerful actors.

According to him, the fact-finding team has been tasked to establish the truth and recommend appropriate action.

“So basically, a fact-finding mission has begun in that respect to unravel their identity and deal with them,” he stated.

The Ministry says the investigation forms part of broader efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities and ensure that enforcement operations are not undermined by internal compromise or external influence.