Police in the Eastern South Region say they have arrested five individuals suspected of posing as operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad, commonly known as NAIMOS, and extorting money from miners.
In a press statement dated January 3, 2026, the police said the arrests were made on Friday, January 2, following a complaint received at Akwadum in the Abuakwa South District. According to the police, the suspects were moving between mining sites while presenting themselves as NAIMOS officials from Accra.
The individuals named by police are Moses Tapiam, aged 43, Christopher Amakor, aged 29, Casimir Nunekpeku, aged 29, Wisdom Miwonuko, aged 35, and Paul Agbanu, aged 53. Police say the suspects were dressed in security-style uniforms and demanded money from miners under the pretext of enforcing anti-illegal mining operations.
The police statement said the group was apprehended by a genuine NAIMOS team operating in the area. At the time of their arrest, the suspects were traveling in a Mitsubishi pick-up vehicle with registration number GS 536-25.
Following their arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Eastern South Regional Criminal Investigation Department in Kyebi. Police say they are currently assisting with investigations and are expected to face prosecution once investigations are completed.
The police emphasized that the allegations against the suspects are still under investigation and that they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. No charges have yet been formally announced.
In the same statement, police issued a warning to the public, particularly individuals who impersonate security personnel, to desist from such acts. The police stressed that impersonation of security officers and extortion constitute criminal offences under Ghanaian law.
Authorities have urged miners and members of the public to verify the identity of officials who claim to be acting on behalf of state security or regulatory agencies and to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.