Lands Ministry Rejects Claims Linking National Security to Illegal Mining on Ankobra River
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has firmly denied allegations that National Security operatives are involved in illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River, describing the claims as “completely false” and misleading. The Ministry insists that no state security institution has sanctioned or supported any form of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the area.
The controversy emerged following reports and allegations suggesting that some individuals linked to National Security were providing protection for illegal miners operating along sections of the Ankobra River in the Western Region. The claims quickly sparked public concern, especially as the river remains one of the water bodies severely affected by illegal mining activities in recent years.
In response, the Ministry stated that government remains committed to the fight against illegal mining and would not tolerate any collaboration between state officials and galamsey operators. Officials stressed that the allegations do not reflect the position or conduct of the security agencies involved in ongoing anti-galamsey operations across the country.
The Ministry further disclosed that investigations are underway into the allegations to establish the facts and identify persons who may be attempting to tarnish the image of state institutions. According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, any officer or individual found complicit in illegal mining activities will face the full rigours of the law regardless of their status or affiliation.
The Ankobra River has become one of the major hotspots in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, with repeated military and task force operations carried out in the area over the past months. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has conducted several raids along the river, leading to the seizure of excavators, mining equipment and arrests of suspected illegal miners.
Illegal mining continues to pose a serious environmental threat in Ghana, with several rivers including the Pra, Tano and Ankobra heavily polluted by mining activities. Successive governments have intensified efforts to clamp down on galamsey due to its devastating impact on water bodies, forests and farmlands.
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