Three National Security operatives in the Ashanti Region have been suspended indefinitely and arrested by police for allegedly conducting an unauthorized anti-galamsey operation at Kwanfifii in the Atwima Mponua District.
The officers personnel Samuel Nsor, Deputy Liaison Officer for National Security at Atwima Kwanwoma; Nana Akom Owusu Agyarko, in charge of Sand-Winning and Anti-Galamsey Operations in the district; McConnell Toku; and Stephen Agyemang were earlier reported to have arrested a Chinese national and his Ghanaian accomplices over suspected illegal mining activities.
However, authorities say the operation was carried out without the knowledge or approval of their District Liaison Officer (DLO), raising questions about its legitimacy.
According to security sources, the three operatives, described as temporary National Security staff and known political activists of the ruling NDC, allegedly embarked on the mining site operation without official authorization.
They were reportedly armed with privately owned weapons and dressed in uniforms not officially issued by National Security.
Sources further claim they used a vehicle belonging to the NDC Constituency Chairman for Atwima Kwanwoma, which had been assigned for party-related work, to carry out the operation.
The vehicle has since been seized by authorities and kept at the Ashanti regional coordination council.
Police intercepted the team following intelligence reports and subsequently arrested them.
Officials say the Chinese national who had been detained by the operatives was immediately released after preliminary investigations indicated the operation had not been sanctioned.
Extortion Allegation
Police sources also allege that the operatives demanded GH¢500,000 from the Chinese national during the arrest.
The claim has been denied by the suspects and no formal charges have been publicly announced in connection with the alleged extortion.
Suspension Confirmed
The Ashanti Regional Security Liaison Office, headed by Captain (Rtd.) John Kwame Jabari, has confirmed the indefinite suspension of the officers.
Captain Jabari acknowledged that the individuals are affiliated with National Security but stressed that neither he nor his office sanctioned the operation.
“They undertook the operation without authorization from the appropriate command structure,” he stated, adding that disciplinary measures would serve as a deterrent to others.
Ongoing Investigations
Police sources indicate investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the operation, including the extortion allegation and the use of unauthorized weapons and uniforms.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as inquiries continue.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
